Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

Jagwar gets a slightly belated possibility to show he can make his mark his mark this season when he reappears in the Support The Fund December Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.


The JP McManus-owned six-year-old has actually won four of his 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming by this course and distance, and it is testament to his capability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March regardless of a number of unconvincing leaps.


With downpour and deteriorating ground conditions ruling him out of a planned return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar rather makes his comeback a month later on in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, 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 preferred so we couldn't leave him short, he was completely all set.


"We provided him a quiet spell after that and we've developed him back up and he's worked well on the yard. He's all set and I think the ground will be perfect for him, it will not be bottomless like it remained in November and I believe being back on the New course will assist also, it will give a huge horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he only requires to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I believe it will all boil down to his jumping. He's got the engine, however he's got to be able to leap at that speed in that class. It's a different level and I believe he can do it, and he seems to have improved 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 tell us where we are."


Vincenzo (right) chasing home Anxiety 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 have actually to be considered major gamers this weekend.


Vincenzo was two and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks ago, but the fact 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 satisfying Hoe Joly Smoke on various terms, specifically now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based trainer.


"On the bare realities we remain in a bit of difficulty there and Jagwar might be a league above all of us truly.


"I'm enthusiastic for a huge run, however I'm extremely sensible and I've simply got to hope our lad has come forward from the run actually.


"He feels terrific in the house, so we'll simply keep everything crossed for a huge 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, trainer of Panic Attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little bit more positive about his opportunities of another big-race Saturday success


He stated: "We were extremely delighted with his run in the Paddy Power and his owners stated to me 'I just hope that wasn't his day and he's completed third'. I took that discuss board, but I have to say the method he has been this week and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't think that was just his day.


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


"I think the track will match him much better as well, it will give 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 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 carrying lumps of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, but hopefully Issy's 7lb will concern excellent use all being well.


"Colonel Harry has actually come out of the Grand Sefton truly 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 tempting, but the additional week is only going to do him good and hopefully he goes there buzzing."