Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run
Jagwar gets a somewhat belated possibility 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 four of his 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming by this course and distance, and it is testimony to his capability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March despite a number 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 fit 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 could not leave him short, he was totally ready.
"We gave him a quiet spell after that and we have actually built him back up and he's worked well on the grass. He's all set and I believe the ground will be best for him, it will not be endless like it remained in November and I think being back on the New course will help also, it will offer a huge horse a bit more time.
"He's not far off graded company, he only requires to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all boil down to his leaping. He's got the engine, but he's got to be able to leap at that speed because class. It's a different level and I believe he can do it, and he appears to have enhanced in your home.
"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you just can't make errors. He got away with it when rated a bit lower, but he's higher now and the next couple of runs will tell 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 form looks strong, with the winner Anxiety attack consequently 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 players this weekend.
Vincenzo was two and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks earlier, but the fact the latter is 5lb better off for the rematch is tempering the confidence of his fitness instructor Sam Thomas.
"On figures we're fulfilling Hoe Joly Smoke on various terms, specifically now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.
"On the bare facts we're in a little difficulty there and Jagwar could be a league above all of us really.
"I'm enthusiastic for a huge run, but I'm very sensible and I have actually just got to hope our lad has stepped forward from the run really.
"He at home, so we'll simply keep whatever crossed for a big 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, fitness instructor of Panic Attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a 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 stated to me 'I simply hope that wasn't his day and he's ended up third'. I took that talk about board, however I have to say the method he has actually been today and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't think that was simply his day.
"I daren't say he's enhancing as that feels a bit too strong, however I feel you are going to see a minimum of the very same horse, if not a little more.
"I think the track will fit him much better too, it will give him a bit longer between his fences and more fences when turning in. The dry forecast will not 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 stated: "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, however hopefully Issy's 7lb will pertain to good use all being well.
"Colonel Harry has actually come out of the Grand Sefton actually well and this has actually essentially been our target all season. We had him gone into in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was tempting, however the extra week is just going to do him great and hopefully he goes there buzzing."