Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run
Jagwar gets a slightly belated chance 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 actually won 4 of his five starts over fences, with his last 2 coming over this course and distance, and it is testament to his capability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March despite 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 instead makes his return 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 ready.
"We offered him a quiet spell after that and we've built him back up and he's worked well on the lawn. He's all set and I think the ground will be ideal for him, it will not be endless like it remained in November and I believe being back on the New course will help too, it will offer a big horse a bit more time.
"He's not far off graded company, he only needs to enhance 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 different level and I believe he can do it, and he appears to have improved at home.
"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you just 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 inform us where we are."
Vincenzo (right) chasing after home Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)
The Paddy Power Gold Cup kind 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 have actually to be considered significant players this weekend.
Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke 4 weeks ago, but the reality the latter is 5lb better off for the rematch is tempering the confidence of his trainer Sam Thomas.
"On figures we're satisfying Hoe on different terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based trainer.
"On the bare facts we're in a bit of problem there and Jagwar might be a league above all people truly.
"I'm confident for a big run, however I'm extremely sensible and I have actually just got to hope our lad has come forward from the run really.
"He feels terrific in the house, so we'll just keep everything 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) victory pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L
- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025
Dan Skelton, trainer of Panic Attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little bit more positive about his opportunities of another big-race Saturday success
He said: "We were really 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 ended up third'. I took that discuss board, but I need to say the way he has actually been today and schooled on Thursday early morning, I don't believe that was just his day.
"I daren't state he's improving as that feels a bit too vibrant, however I feel you are going to see a minimum of the same horse, if not a little more.
"I think 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 forecast won't prevent 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 caught between not being excellent enough for those graded races and carrying swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, but hopefully Issy's 7lb will pertain to excellent usage all being well.
"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton really 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, however the additional week is just going to do him great and hopefully he goes there buzzing."