Buywise can prove it’s all in the name

BACK BUYWISE (Cheltenham, 2.30) to live up to his name and bag today’s Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase. Snapped up for just 21,000gns by trainer Evan Williams at the Doncaster Sales 18 months ago, the son of Tikkanen has won five races since his switch of stable and arrives at Prestbury Park in good order courtesy of a smooth hurdles win at Ludlow. I was fortunate to be present that day and the selection’s handler was nervous about the condition of his gelding, who he thought was still in need of the run. However, the seven-year-old was still forward enough to run away from a horse rated 100 on the flat in Area Fifty One over an inadequate two miles, in doing so putting to bed any queries about his speed. The major concern is the fencing technique of Buywise as his performances at Cheltenham have been littered with errors but, if he ever did put together a good round of jumping, he is capable of winning a race like this with authority. An added bonus would be a sunny day as we may then see a repeat of yesterday’s decision to doll off some of the fences because of a low sun issue, a move which would aid Buywise’s chance. Dangers abound of course and last year’s winner Johns Spirit, a winner of three of his four starts on the Old Course and Eastern Meteor, who was a faller in this event two fences from home when in front, are others to consider. SAM WINNER (Cheltenham, nap, 1.50) shoulders top weight in the Murphy Group Handicap Chase, but we haven’t seen the best of him yet and there should be more to come now he steps up in trip.