Cresta to run in the French Derby for Martyn Meade

Chester Dee Stakes second Cresta of the Martyn Meade yard is heading to the French Derby, connections have suggested.

The New Bay colt did well to finish as runner-up behind Aidan O'Brien's Star Of India on the Roodee after taking a keen hold under Tom Marquand.

Although the three-year old is not entered for the Epsom Derby, he is in both the Irish 2000 Guineas and the Irish Derby to boot.

Yet, Cresta is more likely to run in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly on June 5 says assistant trainer Freddie Meade.

"We are pleased with the way Cresta ran," he said. "We just have to find the key to getting him to switch off and whether that's going to come with racing or whether we have to try something different, I don't know.

"We are just trying a few things at home to see what we can get him to do, as well as making a plan for his next start.

"Possibly, even though he pulled very hard, he seemed to stay very well at Chester, which we were pleased with.

"I think something like the French Derby might be a better possibility (than the Irish 2,000 Guineas).

"We will be looking at that possibly, but we are trying a few things at home to try to get that bit of settling into him.

"If we can get that right, he will probably be a horse that can progress and progress."

Meanwhile, stablemate Zechariah's last of four in the Lingfield Derby trial has probably put the kibosh on a run at Epsom with Meade looking at longer distances at Royal Ascot for their charge.

He added: "Zechariah was a bit disappointing, because he didn't really seem to handle the track at all. Tom felt it didn't suit him.

"He is a quite a balanced horse at home and we thought he would, but he didn't seem to come down the hill at all. Once he levelled out, he ran on towards the end.

"So the plan with Zechariah is the Queen's Vase at Ascot.

"Step him up to a mile and six (furlongs) and he should travel like a dream. He showed he stayed, so that's where we are at with him."