Quest For More back on form
Roger Charlton's six-year-old has struggled to find his form this season but put that all behind him at York as he made all and fought off all his late challengers
GEORGE BAKER gave Quest For More an enterprising front-running ride to take top honours in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup at York.
Baker dictated affairs from the off on Roger Charlton's six-year-old, who was a game as a pebble and did everything asked of him.
Four lengths ahead at one point, Quest For More (9-2) was challenged hard in the long straight but refused to buckle.
He pulled away from his rivals again close home to score by three and a half lengths from Pallasator. Wicklow Brave was third, with former Gold Cup winner Trip To Paris fourth.
Baker said: "Pulling up was harder than the race itself. I think a change of tactics helped, I was a bit too negative on him at Goodwood.
"We had a chat and thought we'd roll along and keep it simple. I thought if he turned up on the day he had a massive chance. He's a very willing partner and really relaxed in front.
"All credit to the team at home, it's not the easiest thing to do to get them back from Melbourne."
Charlton said: "It's so nice having those old stayers. He improved a lot last year and this year we were hovering a little bit and weren't quite up to our form.
"Nothing went right for him. We wanted to run him in the Ascot Gold Cup and it was too soft. It started raining today and I thought our chances were diminishing
"I thought George gave him a superb ride and it looked as though he could go round again.
"I thought it would suit him in front. Every time he runs over a mile and six his jockeys say his best furlong was the one past the line.
"He takes a bit of time to get going. It was like that in the Melbourne Cup. I think he's a genuine stayer."
Appearing to rule out another Melbourne bid, Charlton added: "I like to see the horses and be with them a lot and that's very difficult when they're on the other side of the world.
"He's a fragile horse and needs looking after and I think I'd rather look after him here in England.
"The ground dictates where he goes. Maybe the stayers' race in Dubai might be nice for him.
"He's not a hard horse to train so we just keep him fit and run him when he has his ground. With regards to Ascot (Champions Day) the ground might be better this year with it being on the inside track so we'll just see."
Sir Mark Prescott was again delighted with Pallasator, who has hardly run a bad race this season.
He said: "It was a tremendous run, but the winner is back to his best. The first two kept going all the way, so I'm very happy.
"I had intended to go straight to Doncaster (Doncaster Cup), but this looked winnable."
Trip To Paris was having the second start of his delayed comeback following his run in the Japan Cup back in November.
Trainer Ed Dunlop said: "I'd say it was a satisfactory run, without being startling.
"He's getting back to where he was. He needs racing and I only wish there were more races like this.
"As for plans, we'll get him back home and think about it."
