Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

Jagwar gets a somewhat belated possibility 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 four of his five starts over fences, with his last two coming over this course and range, and it is testament to his ability that he to land the Festival Plate in March in spite of a variety of unconvincing leaps.


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


Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)


Oliver Greenall, who trains the gelding in collaboration 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 completely prepared.


"We offered him a peaceful spell after that and we've developed him back up and he's worked well on the grass. 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 assist also, it will give a big horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he just needs to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I believe it will all come down to his jumping. He's got the engine, however he's got to be able 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 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 ranked a bit lower, but he's greater now and the next number of runs will inform us where we are."


Vincenzo (best) chasing home Anxiety 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 3rd home Hoe Joly Smoke need to be thought about major players this weekend.


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


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


"On the bare realities we remain in a little bit of difficulty there and Jagwar might be a league above all of us actually.


"I'm enthusiastic for a huge run, however I'm very sensible and I've simply got to hope our lad has actually come forward from the run actually.


"He feels great in your home, so we'll simply 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) triumph pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L


- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025


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


He stated: "We were extremely delighted with his run in the Paddy Power and his owners said to me 'I just hope that wasn't his day and he's completed third'. I took that talk about board, however I have to say the way he has been this week and schooled on Thursday early morning, I don't believe that was simply his day.


"I daren't state he's improving as that feels a bit too strong, however I feel you are going to see a minimum of the exact same horse, if not a bit more.


"I believe the track will suit him much better also, it will provide him a bit longer in between his fences and more fences when turning in. The dry projection will not hinder 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 great 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 pertain to great use all being well.


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