Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

Jagwar gets a somewhat belated opportunity to show 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 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming by this course and range, 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 deteriorating 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 on 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 partnership with Josh Guerriero, said: "He was primed to run in the Paddy Power and he was going to be the favourite so we could not leave him short, he was fully prepared.


"We gave him a peaceful spell after that and we have actually constructed him back up and he's worked nicely on the lawn. He's all set and I think the ground will be perfect for him, it will not be bottomless like it was in November and I believe being back on the New course will help too, it will offer a big horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he only requires to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all come down to his jumping. He's got the engine, however he's got to have the ability to jump at that speed in that class. It's a various level and I believe he can do it, and he seems to have enhanced in the house.


"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 tell us where we are."


Vincenzo (best) going after home Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)


The Paddy Power Gold Cup form looks strong, with the winner Anxiety attack consequently 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 players this weekend.


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


"On figures we're satisfying Hoe on different terms, specifically now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.


"On the bare facts we're in a little bit of difficulty there and Jagwar could be a league above all people actually.


"I'm confident for a huge run, however I'm really reasonable and I've just got to hope our lad has come forward from the run truly.


"He feels terrific at home, so we'll just keep everything crossed for a big run."


The Skelicopter celebration is BACK! ✈ PANIC 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 more confident about his opportunities of another big-race Saturday success


He said: "We were very delighted 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 discuss board, however I have to say the way he has been today and schooled on Thursday early morning, I do not think that was just his day.


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


"I believe the track will suit him much better too, it will give him a bit longer in between his fences and more fences when turning in. The dry forecast 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 in between not being excellent enough for those graded races and carrying lumps of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, however ideally Issy's 7lb will come to good use all being well.


"Colonel Harry has actually come out of the Grand Sefton truly 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 extra week is just going to do him great and ideally he goes there buzzing."