Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

Jagwar gets a slightly to show he can make his mark his mark this season when he comes back in the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.


The JP McManus-owned six-year-old has actually won 4 of his five starts over fences, with his last 2 coming by this course and distance, and it is testament to his capability that he managed to land the Festival Plate in March despite a variety of unconvincing leaps.


With torrential rain and degrading ground conditions ruling him out of a planned return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar instead makes his comeback a month later in this weekend's Prestbury Park function, and connections are confident he is healthy enough to do himself justice.


Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)


Oliver Greenall, who trains the gelding in partnership with Josh Guerriero, stated: "He was primed to run in the Paddy Power and he was going to be the favourite so we couldn't leave him short, he was fully ready.


"We offered him a quiet spell after that and we've built him back up and he's worked nicely on the turf. He's all set and I believe the ground will be perfect for him, it will not be bottomless like it remained in November and I think being back on the New course will help as well, it will give a huge horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he just requires to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I believe it will all boil down to his jumping. He's got the engine, but he's got to be able to jump at that speed because class. It's a different level and I believe he can do it, and he appears to have actually enhanced in your home.


"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you just can't make errors. He got away with it when rated a bit lower, however he's higher now and the next couple of runs will inform us where we are."


Vincenzo (right) chasing after home Anxiety attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)


The Paddy Power Gold Cup type looks strong, with the winner Anxiety attack subsequently following up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, so both the runner-up Vincenzo and the third home Hoe Joly Smoke have actually to be thought about major gamers this weekend.


Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks earlier, but the truth the latter is 5lb much better off for the rematch is tempering the self-confidence of his trainer Sam Thomas.


"On figures we're satisfying Hoe Joly Smoke on different terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based trainer.


"On the bare facts we're in a little bit of difficulty there and Jagwar might be a league above all of us really.


"I'm hopeful for a big run, but I'm really sensible and I've just got to hope our lad has come forward from the run truly.


"He feels great in the house, so we'll just keep whatever crossed for a big run."


The Skelicopter celebration is BACK! ✈ ANXIETY ATTACK & Harry Skelton storm to @paddypower Gold Cup (In Memory Of Edward O'Grady) victory pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L


- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025


Dan Skelton, trainer of Panic Attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little bit more positive about his possibilities of another big-race Saturday success


He stated: "We were extremely happy with his run in the Paddy Power and his owners said to me 'I simply hope that wasn't his day and he's ended up third'. I took that talk about board, but I need to say the method he has been today and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't believe that was simply his day.


"I daren't say he's improving as that feels a bit too vibrant, but I feel you are visiting at least the very same horse, if not a little bit more.


"I believe the track will fit him better also, it will give him a bit longer between his fences and more fences when kipping down. The dry projection won't impede him, either."


Ga Law heads the weights for the December Gold Cup (Nigel French/PA)


Jamie Snowden saddles the 2022 Paddy Power hero Ga Law, who is ridden by 7lb claimer Isabelle Ryder for the very first time, as well as last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.


He stated: "Ga Law is caught between not being excellent enough for those graded races and bring lumps of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, however ideally Issy's 7lb will pertain to excellent usage all being well.


"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton really well and this has actually generally been our target all season. We had him gone into in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was appealing, however the extra week is only going to do him great and hopefully he goes there buzzing."