I NEED GOLD was narrowly beaten when third in a tight finish on his hurdling debut at Wetherby. A 7lb claimer makes his job that much easier today and Donald McCain's charge should come out best. Carlisle bumper winner Five In A Row was less impressive at Newcastle on his first start over timber but this looks less competitive and he can figure while Merchant Of Milan finished a lot closer when third at Southwell last time, though will probably be going to Towcester instead. The latter is preferred to the so-far-disappointing Kaikias if he turns up.
Arfur Didit (IRE) 17-2 (11-1) Tracked leaders in 4th, pushed along over 8f out, lost place over 4f out, soon in rear, 5th of 7, 20l behind Ballyhooley Boy (10-11) at Southwell 2m NH flat (6) gd in Mar.
Five In A Row (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, driven before 3 out, kept on same pace, no chance with leaders before next, 4th of 7, 12l behind Ballyalton (11-3) at Newcastle 2m 6f nh nov hdl (2) gd in Nov.
Hot Whiskey (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) In touch, reminders 7th, losing touch when mistake 10th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out, in a race won by Balbriggan (11-12) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf, 6 ran.
I Need Gold (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along after 4 out, ridden before 3 out, every chance 2 out, kept on, 3rd of 13, 3/4l behind Dream Flyer (10-7) at Wetherby 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Kaikias (IRE) 25-1 (10-2) Soon behind, pushed along from 3rd, reminders 5th, lost touch before 4 out, no chance with leaders, 5th of 7, well behind Sausalito Sunrise (10-9) at Chepstow 3m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Merchant Of Milan 50-1 (10-12) Led before 2nd, ridden and joined 2 out, soon headed, 3rd and no extra when not fluent last, 3rd of 9, 13l behind Sego Success (10-12) at Southwell 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd.
