Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run
Jagwar gets a slightly belated possibility to reveal 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 five starts over fences, with his last 2 coming over this course and range, and it is testament to his ability that he handled to land the Festival Plate in March in spite of a variety of unconvincing leaps.
With torrential rain and weakening ground conditions ruling him out of a prepared return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar instead makes his return 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 partnership 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 completely all set.
"We gave him a quiet spell after that and we've built him back up and he's worked well on the turf. He's all set and I believe the ground will be best for him, it will not be like it was 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 business, he only needs to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all boil 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 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 rated 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 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 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 4 weeks back, but the reality the latter is 5lb better off for the rematch is tempering the self-confidence of his trainer Sam Thomas.
"On figures we're fulfilling Hoe Joly Smoke on various terms, especially now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based fitness instructor.
"On the bare facts we're in a little trouble there and Jagwar might be a league above all people really.
"I'm enthusiastic for a huge run, but I'm really sensible and I've simply got to hope our lad has actually come forward from the run actually.
"He feels excellent in the house, so we'll just keep everything 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, trainer of Anxiety attack and Hoe Joly Smoke, appears a little bit more confident about his opportunities of another big-race Saturday success
He stated: "We were really 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 remark on board, however I need to state the method he has actually been today and schooled on Thursday early morning, I do not believe that was just his day.
"I daren't say he's enhancing as that feels a bit too bold, but I feel you are visiting a minimum of the same horse, if not a little more.
"I believe the track will suit him better too, it will provide him a bit longer in between his fences and more fences when kipping down. The dry projection won't prevent 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 stated: "Ga Law is captured between not being excellent enough for those graded races and carrying lumps of weight in every handicap, so it's betwixt and between, however hopefully Issy's 7lb will concern excellent use all being well.
"Colonel Harry has actually come out of the Grand Sefton truly well and this has actually generally been our target all season. We had him gone into in the Becher Chase on the back of that, which was appealing, but the additional week is just going to do him good and hopefully he goes there buzzing."