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 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 four of his 5 starts over fences, with his last two coming over this course and range, and it is testament to his capability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March in spite of a variety of unconvincing leaps.
With downpour and degrading ground conditions ruling him out of a planned return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar rather makes his return a month later on in this weekend's Prestbury Park feature, and connections are confident he is healthy enough to do himself justice.
Jagwar in action at (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 totally ready.
"We provided him a quiet spell after that and we've built him back up and he's worked well on the lawn. He's all set and I believe the ground will be perfect for him, it will not be endless like it was in November and I think being back on the New course will help also, it will offer a big horse a bit more time.
"He's not far off graded company, he only needs to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all boil down to his jumping. He's got the engine, however he's got to have the ability to jump at that speed in that class. It's a various level and I think he can do it, and he seems to have enhanced in your home.
"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you just can't make mistakes. He got away with it when ranked a bit lower, but he's greater now and the next couple 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 kind 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 3rd home Hoe Joly Smoke need to be thought about major gamers this weekend.
Vincenzo was two and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke 4 weeks ago, however the truth the latter is 5lb 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, specifically now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," said the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.
"On the bare truths we remain in a little bit of difficulty there and Jagwar could be a league above all of us actually.
"I'm confident for a huge run, however I'm really realistic and I've just got to hope our lad has actually come forward from the run really.
"He feels fantastic in your home, so we'll simply keep everything crossed for a big 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 Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a bit more positive about his opportunities of another big-race Saturday success
He said: "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 completed third'. I took that remark on board, however I need to say the way he has actually been today and schooled on Thursday morning, I do not believe that was simply his day.
"I daren't state he's improving as that feels a bit too bold, however 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 as well, it will give him a bit longer in between his fences and more fences when turning in. 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, in addition to 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 bring lumps of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, however ideally Issy's 7lb will concern great use all being well.
"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton truly well and this has actually basically 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 great and ideally he goes there buzzing."