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 won 4 of his five starts over fences, with his last two coming over this course and distance, and it is testament to his ability that he managed to land the Festival Plate in March in spite of a number of unconvincing leaps.


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


Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)


Oliver Greenall, who trains the in collaboration with Josh Guerriero, said: "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 totally ready.


"We provided him a quiet spell after that and we have actually developed him back up and he's worked perfectly on the lawn. He's all set and I think the ground will be ideal for him, it won't be bottomless like it remained in November and I think being back on the New course will help as well, it will provide a huge horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he just needs to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all come down to his leaping. He's got the engine, however he's got to have the ability to jump at that speed in that class. It's a different level and I believe he can do it, and he seems to have actually enhanced in the house.


"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you simply 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 (best) going after home Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)


The Paddy Power Gold Cup kind looks strong, with the winner Anxiety attack subsequently following up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, so both the runner-up Vincenzo and the third home Hoe Joly Smoke need to be thought about significant players this weekend.


Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke 4 weeks back, but 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 various terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based trainer.


"On the bare facts we're in a little difficulty there and Jagwar might be a league above all of us actually.


"I'm hopeful for a huge run, however I'm extremely sensible and I have actually just got to hope our lad has stepped forward from the run truly.


"He feels terrific in your home, so we'll just keep whatever crossed for a huge run."


The Skelicopter event is BACK! ✈ PANIC 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 more positive about his opportunities of another big-race Saturday success


He said: "We were really happy with his run in the Paddy Power and his owners stated to me 'I simply hope that wasn't his day and he's finished third'. I took that comment on board, but I have to state the way he has actually been this week and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't think that was simply his day.


"I daren't state he's enhancing as that feels a bit too strong, however I feel you are visiting a minimum of the same horse, if not a little more.


"I think the track will suit 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, as well as last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.


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


"Colonel Harry has 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 only going to do him great and ideally he goes there buzzing."