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 four of his 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming over this course and range, and it is testament to his capability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March regardless of a variety 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 in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, 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, stated: "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 fully ready.
"We gave him a peaceful spell after that and we have actually him back up and he's worked well on the turf. 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 too, it will offer a huge horse a bit more time.
"He's not far off graded company, he only requires to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all come down to his jumping. He's got the engine, but he's got to be able to jump at that speed because class. It's a various level and I think he can do it, and he seems to have improved in the house.
"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 higher now and the next couple of runs will inform us where we are."
Vincenzo (ideal) going 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 subsequently following up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, so both the runner-up Vincenzo and the third home Hoe Joly Smoke have actually to be thought about significant players this weekend.
Vincenzo was two and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks back, but the fact the latter is 5lb 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, specifically now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.
"On the bare facts we remain in a bit of problem there and Jagwar could be a league above all people actually.
"I'm hopeful for a big run, but I'm very reasonable and I have actually just got to hope our lad has actually come forward from the run actually.
"He feels excellent at home, so we'll simply keep whatever 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) triumph pic.twitter.com/xkaWmUBE8L
- CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 15, 2025
Dan Skelton, fitness instructor of Panic Attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a bit more confident about his opportunities of another big-race Saturday success
He stated: "We were extremely pleased with his run in the Paddy Power and his owners stated 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 method he has been today and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't believe that was simply his day.
"I daren't state he's enhancing as that feels a bit too strong, but I feel you are visiting a minimum of the same horse, if not a little bit more.
"I believe the track will match him better too, it will give 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 first time, in addition to last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.
He said: "Ga Law is captured between not being excellent enough for those graded races and carrying swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and in between, but ideally Issy's 7lb will pertain to good usage all being well.
"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton really well and this has generally been our target all season. We had him gone into in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was tempting, but the additional week is just going to do him excellent and hopefully he goes there buzzing."