Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run
Jagwar gets a somewhat 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 four of his five starts over fences, with his last two coming by this course and range, and it is testament to his capability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March regardless of a variety of unconvincing leaps.
With torrential rain and degrading 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 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 collaboration with Josh Guerriero, said: "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 gave him a quiet spell after that and we have actually developed him back up and he's worked well on the grass. He's all set and I believe the ground will be ideal for him, it will not be bottomless like it was in November and I think being back on the New course will assist as well, it will offer a huge horse a bit more time.
"He's not far off graded company, he only needs to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I believe it will all come down to his jumping. He's got the engine, however he's got to be able to jump at that speed because class. It's a different level and I believe he can do it, and he appears to have actually improved 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 ranked a bit lower, but he's greater now and the next number of runs will inform us where we are."
Vincenzo (best) 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 consequently following up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, so both the runner-up Vincenzo and the third home Hoe Joly Smoke have to be considered significant players this weekend.
Vincenzo was two 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 meeting Hoe Joly Smoke on different terms, especially now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based trainer.
"On the bare realities we remain in a little difficulty there and Jagwar might be a league above all people actually.
"I'm enthusiastic for a big run, but I'm very sensible and I've just got to hope our lad has actually stepped forward from the run actually.
"He feels fantastic in your home, so we'll just keep whatever crossed for a huge run."
The Skelicopter celebration is BACK! ✈ ANXIETY ATTACK & Harry Skelton storm to @paddypower Gold Cup (In Memory Of Edward O'Grady) triumph pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L
- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025
Dan Skelton, trainer of Panic 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 pleased with his run in the Paddy Power and his 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 actually been today and schooled on Thursday early morning, I don't think that was simply his day.
"I daren't state he's improving as that feels a bit too vibrant, but I feel you are visiting at least the same horse, if not a little more.
"I think the track will match him better also, it will provide him a bit longer in 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, in addition to last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.
He said: "Ga Law is caught between not being good 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 come to excellent usage all being well.
"Colonel Harry has actually come out of the Grand Sefton really well and this has actually basically 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 just going to do him excellent and hopefully he goes there buzzing."