chased leaders, pushed along before last (usual 2 out), ridden and stayed on to challenge flat, kept on
towards rear, dropped to rear 2 out (usual 3 out), plugged on one pace into fourth flat
close up, pushed along to challenge last, ridden flat, no extra final 100yds
made all, pushed along before last, ridden flat, ran on well
midfield, pushed along before last (usual 2 out), made no impression
held up, ridden approaching last (usual 2 out), never dangerous
ELVIS MAIL (NAP) reverted to hurdles with a fair fourth at Aintree and has the class to defy his big weight with Bruce Lynn taking off 5lb. A three-times winner here, he’s only a pound higher than for his last success at the track two years ago. Serious Ego was disappointing at Ayr after a second at Hexham but Word Has It is a danger having had his chase career put on temporary hold while Haydock runner-up Stainsby Girl shouldn’t be far away back over 2m.
Elvis Mail (FR) 16-1 (11-10) Held up, smooth headway under 2 out, shaken up in 4th before last, kept on same pace until no extra closing stages, 4th of 13, 8 1/4l behind Tamar Bridge (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Albert's Back 33-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, headway on outer before 7th, pushed along under 2 out and found little, soon weakened and pulled up, at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Word Has It (IRE) 10-3 (11-11) Raced wide in 3rd until fell 1st, at Haydock 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Stainsby Girl 11-1 (11-0) Prominent, led 2nd until next, led after 4th, headed flat, held after, stayed on, 2nd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Celebre D'Allen (11-5) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Serious Ego (GER) 6-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, headway when not much room and pecked 3 out, no impression from next, well held last, 6th of 10, 9 1/2l behind Glentruan (11-7) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Battle Of Wills (IRE) 10-1 (9-5) Slow into stride, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 17 1/4l behind Percy Willis (9-9) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
