Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options
Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "perfect start" to chasing after and he might make an immediate 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 project and got where he left off at Uttoxeter earlier this month.
It may have only been a two-horse race, but Laurens Bay jumped efficiently on his very first start over fences and ran out a seven-length winner to the pleasure of his Lambourn-based trainer.
The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November might be next on his program however he might go down the handicap path, depending upon his mark after his impressive victory.
"He's come out of it well, clearly a best start to his going after career which is lovely to see," Snowden stated.
"He jumped really well. You can't actually distinguish a two-horse race, but he did it remarkably and he's an exciting horse moving forward.
Laurens Bay might be heading to Cheltenham after an impressive chase launching (Nigel French/PA)
"We may consider that Listed amateur 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 a number of choices.
"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 path. There's clearly plenty 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 3 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 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 exact same day, so we'll choose which method we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that we might go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) afterwards," Snowden stated.
"Recently, we were 2nd in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) in 2015 and we won the Paddy Power a couple of years before that, so we were really campaigning him over 2 and a half (miles).
"I believe now is the time to in trip. He's now nine years of ages and we will start at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that think of the Hennessy maybe."