Jagwar
Jagwar is not under the radar or anything like it, but he is still worthy of inclusion here as he builds up towards the Cheltenham Festival again. Winner of the Plate last season, he put up another big run in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at Cheltenham on Saturday in finishing second behind Donnacha. He travelled really well through his race in mid-division and, in a race that was not run at a fast pace, he made good ground to challenge the winner on the run to the final fence. Donnacha had been ridden more prominently and, in fairness to Nigel Hawke's horse, he found lots in front. He appreciated the soft ground and he dug deep to repel the challenge of Jagwar, who went down by just a head in the end, the front two finishing 10 lengths clear of their rivals. Despite losing, it is interesting that Jagwar was fastest of all through the final four furlongs and through the final furlong.
There was talk of the Ryanair Chase for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's horse before this, but it may be that it will be a handicap for him now at Cheltenham after this defeat. A 3lb hike takes him up to a mark of 152, which is 13lb higher than the mark off which he won the Plate last year. But he appeared to win with plenty in hand last year, and he shapes like an improved horse this term. Also, he is still only seven and he has raced just seven times over fences. He still retains plenty of potential for progression. Also, a half-brother to D'Jango, who stayed three miles well and who won over three miles and five furlongs, and from the family of Gold Cup winner The Fellow, he could improve again for a step up to three miles. He obviously goes well at Cheltenham and he will be of interest at this year's Festival in the Plate again or in the Ultima, whichever race he contests.
Cheltenham, 24th January 2026
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