Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options
Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "best start" to chasing after and he could make an immediate step up in class next time out.
The the valuable EBF Final at Sandown on his last look of the previous project and got where he left off at Uttoxeter earlier 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 pleasure of his Lambourn-based trainer.
The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November might be next on his agenda however he could decrease the handicap route, depending upon his mark after his remarkable triumph.
"He's come out of it well, certainly an ideal start to his chasing after career which is beautiful to see," Snowden said.
"He jumped really well. You can't actually distinguish a two-horse race, however he did it impressively and he's an amazing horse going forward.
Laurens Bay might be heading to Cheltenham after an impressive chase debut (Nigel French/PA)
"We might think of that Listed novice at Cheltenham at the November Paddy Paddy meeting, or there is a Class Two at Exeter before that or the Graduation Chase at Haydock. There are numerous options.
"Everything depends on where he winds up with his handicap mark, whether he ends up in a graded newbie or whether he goes down the handicap route. There's clearly lots of water to pass under the bridge in advance."
Ga Law has been a great servant to Snowden and the nine-year-old will step up to 3 miles for the forthcoming season.
He will be in action on November 1, but the Folly House handler has yet to decide 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 undoubtedly on the 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) afterwards," Snowden said.
"Over the last few years, we were 2nd in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) last year and we won the Paddy Power a number of years before that, so we were really 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 three miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and then consider the Hennessy perhaps."