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 actually won four of his five starts over fences, with his last 2 coming by this course and distance, and it is testimony to his ability that he managed to land the Festival Plate in March despite a number of unconvincing leaps.


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


Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)


Oliver Greenall, who trains the gelding in partnership 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 totally all set.


"We offered him a quiet spell after that and we have actually built him back up and he's worked on the turf. He's all set and I believe the ground will be best for him, it won't be bottomless like it remained in November and I think 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 only needs to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I believe it will all boil down to his jumping. He's got the engine, but he's got to have the ability to jump at that speed because class. It's a different level and I think he can do it, and he appears to have improved in your home.


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


Vincenzo (right) going after home Anxiety attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)


The Paddy Power Gold Cup kind 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 considered major players this weekend.


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


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


"On the bare truths we're in a little problem there and Jagwar might be a league above all people actually.


"I'm enthusiastic for a big run, but I'm extremely practical and I have actually simply got to hope our lad has actually come forward from the run really.


"He feels excellent in the house, so we'll just 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) success pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L


- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025


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


He said: "We were very happy 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 have to say the method he has actually been this week and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't believe that was simply his day.


"I daren't say he's improving as that feels a bit too strong, but I feel you are visiting at least the same horse, if not a little bit more.


"I believe the track will match him much better also, it will offer him a bit longer between his fences and more fences when turning in. The dry projection 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, 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 carrying swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and in between, but ideally Issy's 7lb will pertain to good use all being well.


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