Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options
Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "best start" to chasing after and he could make an instant step up in class next time out.
The six-year-old landed the important EBF Final at Sandown on his last look of the previous campaign and got where he ended at Uttoxeter previously this month.
It might have only been a two-horse race, but Laurens Bay jumped successfully on his first start over fences and went out a seven-length winner to the delight of his Lambourn-based fitness instructor.
The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November could be next on his program but he might decrease the handicap path, depending upon his mark after his outstanding victory.
"He's come out of it well, certainly a perfect start to his going after profession which is charming to see," Snowden stated.
"He leapt really well. You can't truly distinguish a two-horse race, but he did it impressively and he's an interesting horse moving forward.
Laurens Bay could be heading to Cheltenham after an impressive chase debut (Nigel French/PA)
"We may think of that Listed beginner at Cheltenham at the November Paddy Paddy meeting, or there is a Class Two at Exeter before that or the Graduation Chase at . There are numerous alternatives.
"It all depends on where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he ends up in a graded amateur or whether he goes down the handicap path. There's certainly a lot of water to pass under the bridge beforehand."
Ga Law has been an excellent servant to Snowden and the nine-year-old will step up to three miles for the forthcoming season.
He will be in action on November 1, but the Folly House handler has yet to choose 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 certainly on the exact same day, so we'll choose which way we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that we may go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) later on," Snowden stated.
"In the last few years, we were second in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) in 2015 and we won the Paddy Power a couple of years before that, so we were actually campaigning him over 2 and a half (miles).
"I believe now is the time to increase in journey. He's now nine years of ages and we will start at three miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that consider the Hennessy perhaps."