In the S.V. Rutter Handicap (4.50) at Newcastle on Tuesday, the fact that connections reach for a first-time visor on George Cinq is a slight cause for concern, but Michael Bell’s 5-year-old doesn’t appear to have any problems with his attitude, despite finishing second on his last three starts. The son of Pastoral Pursuits remains 6lb higher in the weights than when winning a 0-85 contest, over a mile, at Ascot last July, but his recent form suggests that he is by no means impossibly handicapped.
In fact, the way in which he stayed on in the closing stages when third, beaten a length, in what looked a much more competitive race for the grade, over 7 furlongs at Doncaster just over a week ago suggested that a stiffer test of stamina would suit him. Newmarket trainer Michael Bell has a respectable 6-28 (21%) strike rate overall at Newcastle during the last five seasons, but is 0-6 with older horses in that period, so the statistics are not as favourable as they first appear. Nevertheless, George Cinq is usually a reliable sort and deserves some reward for his consistency.
Selection: Newcastle 4.50 George Cinq to win Tipster: David