Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run
Jagwar gets a somewhat belated opportunity to reveal 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 4 of his five starts over fences, with his last two coming by this course and range, and it is testimony to his ability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March despite a number 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 rather makes his comeback a month later in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, and connections are positive he is fit enough to do himself .
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 preferred so we couldn't leave him short, he was completely prepared.
"We gave him a quiet spell after that and we've developed him back up and he's worked nicely on the yard. He's all set and I believe the ground will be ideal for him, it will not be endless like it was in November and I think being back on the New course will assist also, it will offer a huge horse a bit more time.
"He's not far off graded company, he just requires to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I believe 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 in that class. It's a various level and I believe he can do it, and he seems to have enhanced at 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, however he's greater now and the next number 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 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 considered significant gamers this weekend.
Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke 4 weeks back, however the truth the latter is 5lb much better off for the rematch is tempering the self-confidence of his fitness instructor Sam Thomas.
"On figures we're fulfilling Hoe Joly Smoke on different terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.
"On the bare truths we remain in a little trouble there and Jagwar could be a league above all of us really.
"I'm hopeful for a big run, however I'm extremely reasonable and I have actually simply got to hope our lad has stepped forward from the run really.
"He feels excellent in the house, so we'll simply keep everything crossed for a big run."
The Skelicopter celebration 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, trainer of Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a bit more confident about his possibilities of another big-race Saturday success
He stated: "We were very happy 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 discuss board, but I need to state the way he has been this week and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't think that was simply his day.
"I daren't state he's improving as that feels a bit too strong, but I feel you are visiting at least the very same horse, if not a little more.
"I believe the track will match him better too, it will offer him a bit longer between his fences and more fences when kipping down. The dry forecast won't 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, along with last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.
He said: "Ga Law is captured between not being great enough for those graded races and carrying lumps of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and in 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 gone into in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was tempting, however the extra week is only going to do him great and hopefully he goes there buzzing."