Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

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


The JP McManus-owned six-year-old has won 4 of his five starts over fences, with his last 2 coming by this course and range, and it is testimony to his capability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March in spite of a number of unconvincing leaps.


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


Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)


Oliver Greenall, who trains the gelding in partnership with Josh Guerriero, said: "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 completely all set.


"We provided him a peaceful spell after that and we've built him back up and he's worked perfectly 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 believe being back on the New course will assist as well, it will give a big horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he just requires to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all come down to his leaping. He's got the engine, but he's got to have the ability to leap at that speed because class. It's a different level and I believe he can do it, and he seems to have improved in your home.


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


Vincenzo (right) chasing home Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)


The Paddy Power Gold Cup kind 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 third home Hoe Joly Smoke need to be thought about significant gamers this weekend.


Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks earlier, but the reality the latter is 5lb better off for the rematch is tempering the 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," said the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.


"On the bare realities we're in a little bit of problem there and Jagwar could be a league above all of us actually.


"I'm enthusiastic for a huge run, however I'm really realistic and I have actually just got to hope our lad has stepped forward from the run actually.


"He feels terrific in your home, so we'll just keep whatever crossed for a huge run."


The Skelicopter event 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, trainer of Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little bit more positive about his possibilities of another big-race Saturday success


He said: "We were very 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 talk about board, but I need to say the way he has been this week and schooled on Thursday early morning, I don't think that was just his day.


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


"I believe the track will fit him better also, it will offer him a bit longer in between his fences and more fences when kipping down. 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 very first time, along with last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.


He said: "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 hopefully Issy's 7lb will come to good usage all being well.


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