Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

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


With downpour and deteriorating 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 on in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, and connections are confident 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, stated: "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 completely all set.


"We provided him a quiet spell after that and we have actually developed him back up and he's worked nicely on the grass. He's all set and I believe the ground will be perfect for him, it will not be bottomless like it remained in November and I believe being back on the New course will assist too, it will provide a huge horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he just requires to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all boil down to his leaping. He's got the engine, however he's got to have the ability to jump at that speed because class. It's a various 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 ranked a bit lower, but he's higher now and the next number 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 form 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 need to be thought about significant players this weekend.


Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke 4 weeks earlier, however the reality the latter is 5lb much better off for the rematch is tempering the self-confidence of his fitness instructor Sam Thomas.


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


"On the bare facts we remain in a little bit of trouble there and Jagwar could be a league above all of us really.


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


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


- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025


Dan Skelton, trainer of Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a bit 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 just hope that wasn't his day and he's ended up third'. I took that comment on board, but I have to say the method he has been today and schooled on Thursday morning, I do not believe that was simply his day.


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


"I think the track will match him better also, it will offer him a bit longer between his fences and more fences when kipping down. 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 first time, in addition to last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.


He said: "Ga Law is in between not being good enough for those graded races and bring lumps of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and in between, however ideally Issy's 7lb will come to excellent use all being well.


"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton truly well and this has generally 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 good and ideally he goes there buzzing."