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 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 four of his five starts over fences, with his last 2 coming over this course and range, and it is testimony to his ability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March in spite of a variety of unconvincing leaps.


With downpour and degrading ground conditions ruling him out of a planned return in last month's Gold Cup, Jagwar rather makes his comeback a month later in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, and connections are positive he is healthy enough to do himself justice.


Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)


Oliver Greenall, who trains the gelding in collaboration 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 completely prepared.


"We provided him a quiet spell after that and we have actually developed him back up and he's worked perfectly on the yard. He's all set and I think the ground will be best for him, it won't be endless like it was in November and I believe being back on the New course will help too, it will give a big horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded business, he only requires to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I think 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 actually enhanced in your 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, but he's greater now and the next couple of runs will inform us where we are."


Vincenzo (best) chasing after home Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)


The Paddy Power Gold Cup type 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 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 four weeks ago, however the fact the latter is 5lb better off for the rematch is tempering the self-confidence of his fitness instructor Sam Thomas.


"On figures we're meeting Hoe Joly Smoke on various terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based trainer.


"On the bare realities we remain in a little bit of problem there and Jagwar could be a league above all of us actually.


"I'm hopeful for a big run, however I'm really sensible and I've just got to hope our lad has actually come forward from the run actually.


"He feels great in the house, so we'll just keep whatever crossed for a big run."


The Skelicopter event 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, trainer of Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little more confident about his opportunities 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 just hope that wasn't his day and he's finished third'. I took that talk about board, however I have to state the method he has actually been this week and schooled on Thursday early morning, I do not think that was just his day.


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


"I think the track will suit him much better also, it will provide him a bit longer between his fences and more fences when turning in. The dry forecast will not 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, in addition to last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.


He stated: "Ga Law is captured in between not being great enough for those graded races and carrying lumps of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, but hopefully Issy's 7lb will come to great use all being well.


"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton actually well and this has essentially 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 hopefully he goes there buzzing."