led until 11th, led and jumped right next, headed after 4 out, led again next, soon headed, weakened from 2 out
chased leaders, jumped slowly 1st and 2nd, often niggled along to keep up and not always fluent, closing when not much room after 3 out, 2nd from next, no impression on winner
tracked leader, led 11th, headed and bumped next, led again after 4 out, headed next, 2nd and looked beaten when stumbled slightly and lost action 2 out, eased and pulled up
chased leaders on outside, not fluent 11th, led after 3 out, big jump and clear 2 out, stayed on well
AQALIM was the best of these over hurdles by a country mile. Though fences can be a great leveller, he should have too much class for Net Work Rouge in receipt of 6lb if his jumping stands up. It took the latter six attempts to win a chase and he only beat three rivals at Stratford. Atlantic Gold and Rolling Maul look closely matched on hurdles form but the former probably has more scope over fences having had just the one run, though neither are entirely straightforward.
Net Work Rouge (FR) 13-8fav (11-1) Led to 4 out, led again next, ridden clear after last, stayed on well, won at Stratford 2m 7f (4) gd in Aug beating Monsieur Gibraltar (11-1) by 8l, 4 ran.
Aqalim 50-1 (11-7) Held up in last pair, not fluent 6th, ridden after next, not fluent 9th, lost touch 4 out, last of 6, 35 3/4l behind Thistlecrack (11-7) at Aintree 3m 1f (1) sft in Apr.
Atlantic Gold (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Tracked leader, effort 3 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 7, 11 1/4l behind Chase The Wind (10-12) at Wetherby 3m (4) gd in May.
Rolling Maul (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, ran in snatches, not fluent 7th, lost place next, tailed off before 2 out, pulled up after, at Cartmel 3m 1f hcp (2) gs in Aug.
