Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "perfect start" to going after and he might make an immediate action up in class next time out.


The six-year-old landed the valuable EBF Final at Sandown on his last look of the previous project and got where he left off at earlier this month.


It might have just been a two-horse race, but Laurens Bay leapt efficiently on his first start over fences and ran 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 program but he might decrease the handicap path, depending upon his mark after his excellent success.


"He's come out of it well, obviously an ideal start to his going after profession which is charming to see," Snowden said.


"He jumped truly well. You can't actually distinguish a two-horse race, but he did it impressively and he's an interesting horse going forward.


Laurens Bay could be heading to Cheltenham after an outstanding chase debut (Nigel French/PA)


"We may think of that Listed beginner 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 choices.


"Everything 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 route. There's certainly lots of water to pass under the bridge in advance."


Ga Law has been a fantastic 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 decide whether to take a trip 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 certainly 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 may go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) afterwards," Snowden said.


"Over the last few years, we were second 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 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 begin at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that think of the Hennessy perhaps."