Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options
Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "ideal start" to chasing after and he might make an immediate step up in class next time out.
The six-year-old landed the valuable EBF Final at Sandown on his last appearance of the previous project and got where he ended at Uttoxeter previously this month.
It may have just been a two-horse race, however Laurens Bay leapt successfully on his first start over fences and went out a seven-length winner to the delight of his Lambourn-based trainer.
The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November might be next on his agenda but he could decrease the handicap route, depending upon his mark after his remarkable triumph.
"He's come out of it well, clearly an ideal start to his going after profession which is lovely to see," stated.
"He leapt really well. You can't actually distinguish a two-horse race, however he did it impressively and he's an exciting horse going forward.
Laurens Bay could be heading to Cheltenham after an impressive chase launching (Nigel French/PA)
"We might believe about that Listed novice at Cheltenham at the November Paddy Paddy meeting, or there is a Class Two at Exeter before that or the Graduation Chase at Haydock. There are a number of alternatives.
"It all depends upon where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he winds up in a graded beginner or whether he decreases the handicap route. There's undoubtedly lots of water to pass under the bridge in advance."
Ga Law has been an excellent servant to Snowden and the nine-year-old will step up to three miles for the upcoming season.
He will be in action on November 1, however the Folly House handler has yet to choose whether to travel to Wetherby for the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase or across the Irish Sea for the Grade One BetVictor Champion Chase at Down Royal.
"He's got an entry there (Down Royal) and an entry in the Charlie Hall, which is obviously on the same day, so we'll choose which way we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and then we may go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) afterwards," Snowden stated.
"Over the last few years, we were 2nd in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) in 2015 and we won the Paddy Power a number of years before that, so we were actually campaigning him over 2 and a half (miles).
"I think now is the time to increase in trip. He's now 9 years of ages and we will begin at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and then think of the Hennessy possibly."