Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options
More actions
Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "best start" to chasing after and he might make an instant 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 campaign and got where he ended at Uttoxeter previously this month.
It might have just been a two-horse race, however leapt effectively on his very 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 could be next on his agenda however he might go down the handicap route, depending upon his mark after his excellent success.
"He's come out of it well, clearly a best start to his chasing career which is beautiful to see," Snowden said.
"He jumped actually well. You can't really inform from a two-horse race, but he did it remarkably and he's an amazing horse going forward.
Laurens Bay could be heading to Cheltenham after an outstanding chase launching (Nigel French/PA)
"We may think about that Listed novice at Cheltenham at the November Paddy Paddy conference, or there is a Class Two at Exeter before that or the Graduation Chase at Haydock. There are several options.
"Everything depends on where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he ends up in a graded newbie or whether he decreases the handicap route. There's clearly plenty of water to pass under the bridge beforehand."
Ga Law has actually been a fantastic servant to Snowden and the nine-year-old will step up to 3 miles for the upcoming season.
He will be in action on November 1, but the Folly House handler has yet to decide whether to take a trip to Wetherby for the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase or throughout 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 very 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 said.
"Recently, 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 truly campaigning him over two and a half (miles).
"I think now is the time to go up in trip. He's now 9 years of ages and we will start at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that consider the Hennessy perhaps."