Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

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


The JP McManus-owned six-year-old has won four of his five starts over fences, with his last two coming by this course and range, and it is testament to his ability that he managed to land the Festival Plate in March in spite of 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 in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, 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 could not leave him short, he was fully all set.


"We offered him a peaceful spell after that and we have actually built him back up and he's worked perfectly on the turf. 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 think being back on the New course will help also, it will offer a big horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he only needs 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 be able to leap at that speed in that class. It's a various level and I believe he can do it, and he appears to have actually enhanced at 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 couple of runs will inform 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 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 considered significant gamers this weekend.


Vincenzo was two and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke 4 weeks ago, but the truth the latter is 5lb better off for the rematch is tempering the confidence of his trainer Sam Thomas.


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


"On the bare facts we remain in a bit of problem there and Jagwar might be a league above all people really.


"I'm hopeful for a huge run, however I'm extremely practical and I've simply got to hope our lad has stepped forward from the run actually.


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


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


- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025


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


He said: "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 finished third'. I took that talk about board, however I have to say the method he has actually been this week and schooled on Thursday morning, I do not think that was just his day.


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


"I think the track will fit him much better as well, it will give him a bit longer in between his fences and more fences when turning in. The dry projection won't 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 stated: "Ga Law is captured between not being excellent enough for those graded races and carrying swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and in between, however ideally Issy's 7lb will concern great use all being well.


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