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 comes back in the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The JP McManus-owned six-year-old has won four of his 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming over this course and range, and it is testament to his ability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March despite a variety of unconvincing leaps.
With torrential rain and weakening ground conditions ruling him out of a planned return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar instead makes his resurgence a month later in this weekend's Prestbury Park function, and connections are confident 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, 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 all set.
"We offered him a quiet spell after that and we have actually constructed him back up and he's worked well on the turf. He's all set and I believe 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 too, it will offer a huge horse a bit more time.
"He's not far off graded business, he only needs to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I believe it will all boil down to his leaping. He's got the engine, however he's got to be able to jump at that speed in that class. It's a different level and I think he can do it, and he seems to have actually enhanced in the house.
"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, but he's greater now and the next couple of runs will tell us where we are."
Vincenzo (right) chasing home Anxiety attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)
The Paddy Power Gold Cup form looks strong, with the winner Panic Attack subsequently 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 gamers this weekend.
Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks back, however the fact 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 on various terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.
"On the bare truths we're in a little trouble there and Jagwar might be a league above all people truly.
"I'm enthusiastic for a huge run, however I'm really practical and I have actually simply got to hope our lad has come forward from the run really.
"He feels excellent in the house, so we'll simply 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) victory pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L
- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025
Dan Skelton, fitness instructor of Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little bit more confident about his chances of another big-race Saturday success
He said: "We were extremely 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 completed third'. I took that talk about board, however I need to state the way he has been this week and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't believe that was simply his day.
"I daren't state he's enhancing as that feels a bit too bold, but I feel you are going to see a minimum of the same horse, if not a little more.
"I believe the track will match him much better also, it will offer 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, in addition to last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.
He said: "Ga Law is caught in between not being good enough for those graded races and carrying swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, but ideally Issy's 7lb will concern great use all being well.
"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton actually well and this has actually generally been our target all season. We had him entered in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was appealing, but the extra week is only going to do him good and hopefully he goes there buzzing."