Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, Zeelander has shown promise in his two starts this season, latterly when finishing fifth in a Newbury maiden from which the first two home have won subsequently.

Switched to handicaps off an opening mark of 68 Zeelander, who is a Dubawi own-brother to G3 Huxley Stakes winner Danadana, did not have the perfect pitch throughout the early part of the race as Andrea sought cover from his wide draw in stall 10.

Only two rivals lay behind him as the field steadied into the top bend before quickening up for home and while Zeelander looked briefly in trouble passing the three-furlong marker, he found generously for Andrea’s urgings before getting on top inside the final 100 yards, wearing down the Jonathan Portman-trained Orin Swift to win by a length.

There was a further length and a quarter back to Hawridge Glory in third as very few got seriously involved in a race which lacked depth on paper beforehand.

Roger said: “Zeelander has proven a late-maturing horse but he has progressed steadily this season and he did that quite well all things considered. The track didn’t suit him ideally, but he has the right attitude and he will be a better horse next year.”