raced freely, led early, pressed leader, led again over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd towards finish
slowly into stride, outpaced and soon behind, ran on final 75 yards, went 4th close home
tracked leaders, switched right and effort over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, not trouble winner, kept on
soon led, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well
Tone The Barone will prove popular having won in this grade at Wolverhampton last month with subsequent runner-up Marnie James behind. But the former was beaten by ORNATE (NAP) over track and trip last March, despite receiving 7lb, and David Griffiths’ charge may well return to form on more favourable terms having tumbled down the weights subsequently. Strong Power is penalised for winning a lowly Class 6 sprint here earlier in the week while Shallow Hal drops down to the minimum trip for the first time.
Tone The Barone 9-4 (8-13) Raced keenly pressing leader, led going well over 1f out, ran on well, won at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (2) pol in Dec beating Exalted Angel (9-7) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Shallow Hal 14-1 (9-3) Never better than midfield, last of 9, 5 1/2l behind Astro Jakk (9-0) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Marnie James 9-1 (9-2) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied to go 2nd close home, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Rose Hip (9-3) at Lingfield 5f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Ornate 25-1 (9-0) Prominent near side of group, led briefly 3f out, headed 2f out, weakened soon after, 8th of 12, 5 1/4l behind Prop Forward (9-4) at Southwell 5f hcp (3) pol in Jan.
Strong Power (IRE) Evensfav (9-7) Held up, pushed along and headway entering final furlong, soon led, ran on, won at Lingfield 5f hcp (6) pol in Jan beating Lothian (9-8) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.