Big rise in weights no problem as progressive Quest For More lands Northumberland Plate

George Baker is an infrequent visitor to Newcastle but the rider left Tyneside on Saturday with the two biggest races of the track’s year in the bag, including the final John Smith’s Northumberland Plate to be run on turf with Quest For More.

Trainer Roger Charlton feared the handicapper had caught up with his five-year-old, who had risen a stone in the weights from just two runs this season.

Punters still fancied his chances, though, and sent him off the 15-2 second-favourite behind local hope Seamour.