Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

Jagwar gets a slightly belated opportunity 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 5 starts over fences, with his last two coming over this course and distance, and it is testimony to his ability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March despite a variety of unconvincing leaps.


With downpour and deteriorating ground conditions ruling him out of a prepared return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar instead makes his comeback a month later in this weekend's Prestbury Park function, 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 preferred so we couldn't leave him short, he was fully prepared.


"We gave him a quiet spell after that and we have actually constructed him back up and he's worked well on the turf. He's all set and I think the ground will be best for him, it will not be bottomless like it remained in November and I believe being back on the New course will help too, it will offer a huge horse a bit more time.


"He's not far off graded company, he just requires to improve another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all boil down to his leaping. He's got the engine, however he's got to have the ability to leap at that speed in that class. It's a various level and I think he can do it, and he appears to have actually improved in your home.


"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you simply can't make errors. He got away with it when ranked a bit lower, however he's higher now and the next number of runs will tell us where we are."


Vincenzo (ideal) 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 need to be thought about significant gamers this weekend.


Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks ago, 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 satisfying Hoe Joly Smoke on various terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.


"On the bare realities we're in a little bit of trouble there and Jagwar could be a league above all people truly.


"I'm confident for a huge run, but I'm extremely realistic and I have actually simply got to hope our lad has actually stepped forward from the run actually.


"He feels excellent in the house, so we'll simply 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, fitness instructor of Panic Attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little bit more confident about his chances of another big-race Saturday success


He stated: "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 completed third'. I took that comment on board, however I have to say the method he has been today and on Thursday early morning, I don't think that was simply his day.


"I daren't say he's improving as that feels a bit too vibrant, but I feel you are visiting at least the exact same horse, if not a little more.


"I think the track will suit him much better too, it will offer him a bit longer in 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 very first time, as well as last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.


He said: "Ga Law is caught between not being excellent enough for those graded races and bring swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and in between, but hopefully Issy's 7lb will pertain to good usage all being well.


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