Nathaniel enjoyed a new Group winner from his Classic crop with an impressive performance by Zechariah in the Gr.3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury today.

Trained by Freddie & Martyn Meade, the three-year-old colt made all and won by 3 1/2 lengths taking on his elders for owners Aquis Farm and Manton Park.

Freddie Meade said: “I think 16-1 for the St Leger is fair. There’s a bit of time between now and then and I think that’s the plan for Zechariah. We’ll discuss it with everyone, but Dad and I are never shy of having a pop. He was disappointing at Newmarket, but I think we ran him back too quickly after his good run at Ascot. He won the Haynes, Hanson and Clark on good to soft, so goes on most ground – I just don’t think he wants extremes. He’s also in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup and he’s got Australian connections so we’ll talk to them with regard to that.”

In June, Zechariah had finished second in the Gr.2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot by just a nose.

Zechariah was foaled and raised as a foal at Newsells Park for our clients John and Tanya Gunther. He is out of the Gr.2 performer Nancy O (Pivotal), a daughter of Arravale, winner of the Gr.1 Del Mar Oaks and Gr.1 E.P. Taylor Stakes. His half-sister by Caravaggio will be consigned by Newsells Park Stud at the Tattersalls October Book 2 Sale.