Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run

Jagwar gets a somewhat belated possibility 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 actually won 4 of his 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming over this course and distance, and it is testament to his capability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March despite a number 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 rather makes his return a month later in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, and connections are positive he is healthy 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 could not leave him short, he was fully prepared.


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


"He's not far off graded company, he only needs to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I believe 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 because class. It's a different level and I believe he can do it, and he appears to have enhanced 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 ranked a bit lower, however he's greater now and the next number of runs will tell us where we are."


Vincenzo (best) chasing after home Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)


The Paddy Power Gold Cup form 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 have actually to be thought about significant gamers this weekend.


Vincenzo was two and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks earlier, but the reality the latter is 5lb better off for the rematch is tempering the confidence of his fitness instructor Sam Thomas.


"On figures we're meeting Hoe Joly Smoke on different terms, especially now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based trainer.


"On the bare truths we remain in a bit of problem there and Jagwar could be a league above all of us really.


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


"He feels fantastic in the house, so we'll just keep everything crossed for a big run."


The Skelicopter event 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 Panic Attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a bit more confident about his chances of another big-race Saturday success


He said: "We were very 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 talk about board, but I have to say the way he has actually been today and schooled on Thursday early morning, I don't believe that was simply his day.


"I daren't say he's enhancing as that feels a bit too strong, however I feel you are going to see a minimum of the exact same horse, if not a bit 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 kipping down. The 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 stated: "Ga Law is captured between not being great enough for those graded races and carrying swellings of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, but ideally Issy's 7lb will pertain to good use all being well.


"Colonel Harry has actually come out of the Grand Sefton truly well and this has actually essentially been our target all season. We had him entered in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was appealing, but the additional week is only going to do him good and ideally he goes there buzzing."