Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run
Jagwar gets a slightly belated chance 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 4 of his 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming over this course and range, and it is testimony to his capability that he managed to land the Festival Plate in March in spite of a number of unconvincing leaps.
With torrential rain and deteriorating ground conditions ruling him out of a planned return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar instead makes his return a month later on in this weekend's Prestbury Park function, and connections are confident he is in shape enough to do himself justice.
Jagwar in action at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)
Oliver Greenall, who trains the gelding in with Josh Guerriero, stated: "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 completely prepared.
"We gave him a quiet spell after that and we've developed him back up and he's worked nicely on the grass. He's all set and I think 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 too, it will give a big 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 leaping. He's got the engine, however he's got to be able to leap at that speed because class. It's a various 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 just can't make errors. He got away with it when rated a bit lower, but he's greater now and the next number 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 kind 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 need to be considered major gamers this weekend.
Vincenzo was two and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke 4 weeks earlier, however the fact the latter is 5lb much better off for the rematch is tempering the confidence of his trainer 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 fitness instructor.
"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've just got to hope our lad has actually come forward from the run truly.
"He feels terrific at home, so we'll just keep everything 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) success pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L
- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025
Dan Skelton, trainer of Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little more confident about his opportunities of another big-race Saturday success
He said: "We were very pleased with his run in the Paddy Power and his owners said to me 'I simply hope that wasn't his day and he's ended up third'. I took that comment on board, however I need to say the method he has actually been today and schooled on Thursday morning, I do not think that was simply his day.
"I daren't say he's enhancing as that feels a bit too vibrant, but I feel you are going to see a minimum of the same horse, if not a bit more.
"I believe the track will fit him much better also, it will give him a bit longer in between his fences and more fences when kipping down. The dry projection 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 very first time, as well as last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.
He said: "Ga Law is captured in between not being great 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 pertain to great use all being well.
"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton really well and this has essentially been our target all season. We had him entered in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was tempting, however the additional week is only going to do him great and ideally he goes there buzzing."