Talented Jagwar Primed For December Gold Run
Jagwar gets a slightly 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 four of his 5 starts over fences, with his last 2 coming by this course and distance, and it is testimony to his ability that he managed to land the Festival Plate in March regardless of a number of unconvincing leaps.
With torrential rain and deteriorating ground conditions ruling him out of a prepared return in last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup, Jagwar instead makes his resurgence 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 Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)
Oliver Greenall, who trains the gelding in partnership 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 totally ready.
"We offered him a after that and we've built him back up and he's worked well on the grass. He's all set and I believe the ground will be perfect for him, it will not be bottomless like it was in November and I believe being back on the New course will assist too, it will offer a big horse a bit more time.
"He's not far off graded business, he just requires to enhance another 5lb or 6lb. I think it will all come down to his leaping. He's got the engine, however he's got to be able to jump at that speed in that class. It's a different level and I think he can do it, and he seems to have actually improved in your home.
"We'll see on Saturday where he is at and you just can't make errors. He got away with it when rated a bit lower, but he's greater now and the next number of runs will inform us where we are."
Vincenzo (right) 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 third home Hoe Joly Smoke have to be considered major gamers this weekend.
Vincenzo was 2 and a quarter lengths in front of Hoe Joly Smoke four weeks back, however the truth the latter is 5lb much 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 different terms, particularly now Dylan (Johnston, jockey) has actually lost his claim," stated the Lisvane-based trainer.
"On the bare realities we remain in a little bit of trouble there and Jagwar could be a league above all people truly.
"I'm enthusiastic for a big run, however I'm really reasonable and I have actually just got to hope our lad has come forward from the run really.
"He feels great at home, so we'll just keep everything crossed for a huge run."
The Skelicopter event 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 more confident about his opportunities 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 simply hope that wasn't his day and he's ended up third'. I took that remark on board, but I have to say the way he has been today and schooled on Thursday morning, I don't think that was simply his day.
"I daren't say he's improving as that feels a bit too vibrant, however I feel you are visiting at least the same horse, if not a bit more.
"I think the track will match him better too, it will provide him a bit longer between his fences and more fences when turning in. 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, along with last month's Grand Sefton winner Colonel Harry.
He stated: "Ga Law is captured between not being good 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 concern great usage all being well.
"Colonel Harry has come out of the Grand Sefton really well and this has actually basically 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 excellent and hopefully he goes there buzzing."