ROGER Charlton’s Quest For More had been a little disappointing this season but came right back to his best in the Group 2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, making all for jockey George Baker, who rode a perfect race in front.

There were fears that the early afternoon rain would affect the winner’s chance but he seemed to relish a change of tactics and was soon bowling along happily in the lead from Pallasator.

Baker managed to slow the tempo running down the back straight but then kicked on again as Quest For More came towards the centre of the track in the home straight.

Wicklow Brave moved up towards the stands’ side and Pallasator kept on willingly, but the leader was going much too well for them and extended his advantage inside the final furlong, beating Pallasator by three and a half lengths with Wicklow Brave, who found little, a clear-cut third. The others were never truly in the hunt.

Quest For More was reversing Goodwood Cup form with his principal rivals but had finished an excellent second in that race last year and went on to run well in the Melbourne Cup. A return down under is unlikely, however.

“It’s so nice to have these old stayers,’’ he said, echoing the sentiments of a former master of Beckhampton, George Todd. “I thought George gave him a superb ride. When the rain fell I thought his chance had diminished and he takes a bit of time to get going because he’s a genuine stayer, but he’s very good on his day. I’m very fond of him.’’

The word got out that Baker would make the running, something that prompted late backing for the winner down to 9/2.