'Exciting ´ French Ship Sailing Onwards And Upwards

All options remain open for French Ship following his easy success at Newbury on Saturday.


Philip Hobbs and Johnson White's talented five-year-old had been raised 8lb for a win at Cheltenham in November, however he still looked ahead of the handicapper.


He has been hit with another 10lb increase as an outcome and connections now need to choose whether to plough on with big weights in handicaps or start into graded business.


"He's been installed 10lb, which is quite a walking, but equally it was a very strong performance," stated White.


"We couldn't have been happier with the run and also how he's come out of the race, which is the most important thing.


"We have actually no specific strategies at the minute, we desire to just see how he is and after that we'll go from there.


French Ship has actually been outstanding up until now this season (Steven Paston/PA)


"A mark of 146 means we're either towards the head of the weights in excellent handicaps or he makes the leap into graded business, he's in that area now.


"He keeps seeming to improve, ideally he'll enhance enough to swelling round off 146. Harry (Cobden) was really complimentary, not surprisingly. He says he's got the equipments to take a trip over much shorter, but he also said he 'd remain even more.


"He's a charming horse, who we are extremely delighted by."


It could be a big weekend for the Minehead backyard, with two of their interesting children due to be in action at different ends of the country.


Sober Glory, a 12-length winner on hurdling debut, is scheduled in for the Listed Betfair Exchange Hurdle at Sandown, while Captain Hugo beat 2 wise key ins Sinnatra and Storming George when he last ran and goes north to Aintree.


White said: "Sober Glory goes to Sandown on Saturday. I believed they 'd have a bit more rain the other day, actually, but he'll go there. Captain Hugo will go to Aintree on Saturday as well, so we have actually lots to look forwards to."