Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

Jagwar gets a somewhat to reveal 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 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming by this course and distance, and it is testament to his ability that he managed to land the Festival Plate in March regardless of a variety of unconvincing leaps.


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


Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)


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


"We offered him a peaceful spell after that and we have actually developed him back up and he's worked well on the turf. He's all set and I believe the ground will be perfect for him, it won't be endless like it remained in November and I think being back on the New course will assist as well, it will provide a huge horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded business, he just needs to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all boil down to his jumping. He's got the engine, but he's got to have the ability to leap at that speed in that class. It's a different level and I think he can do it, and he appears to have improved in the house.


"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you simply can't make mistakes. He got away with it when ranked a bit lower, however he's higher now and the next number of runs will tell us where we are."


Vincenzo (ideal) 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 Panic Attack subsequently following up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, so both the runner-up Vincenzo and the 3rd home Hoe Joly Smoke have to be considered significant gamers this weekend.


Vincenzo was two and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke 4 weeks ago, however 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 various terms, specifically now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based trainer.


"On the bare truths we're in a bit of problem there and Jagwar could be a league above all people truly.


"I'm hopeful for a big run, but I'm very practical and I have actually just got to hope our lad has come forward from the run actually.


"He feels great at home, so we'll simply keep whatever crossed for a huge run."


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


- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025


Dan Skelton, fitness instructor of Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little bit more positive about his chances of another big-race Saturday success


He stated: "We were really pleased with his run in the Paddy Power and his owners stated to me 'I simply hope that wasn't his day and he's ended up third'. I took that remark on board, however I have to say the way he has actually been this week and schooled on Thursday early morning, I don't think that was just his day.


"I daren't state he's enhancing as that feels a bit too vibrant, however I feel you are going to see at least the same horse, if not a little more.


"I think the track will suit him better as well, it will give him a bit longer between his fences and more fences when turning in. The dry projection won't prevent 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 first time, in addition to last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.


He said: "Ga Law is caught between not being great enough for those graded races and carrying swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, but hopefully Issy's 7lb will concern excellent use all being well.


"Colonel Harry has actually come out of the Grand Sefton actually well and this has actually essentially been our target all season. We had him entered in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was tempting, but the additional week is just going to do him good and ideally he goes there buzzing."