Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options
Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "ideal start" to chasing after and he could make an immediate action up in class next time out.
The six-year-old landed the valuable EBF Final at Sandown on his last appearance of the previous project and got where he ended at Uttoxeter previously this month.
It might have just been a two-horse race, but jumped successfully on his very 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 might be next on his program but he might decrease the handicap path, depending on his mark after his impressive success.
"He's come out of it well, certainly a perfect start to his chasing profession which is beautiful to see," Snowden said.
"He jumped really well. You can't really distinguish a two-horse race, however he did it impressively and he's an amazing horse going forward.
Laurens Bay could be heading to Cheltenham after an impressive chase launching (Nigel French/PA)
"We may think about 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 a number of alternatives.
"All of it 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 obviously a lot of water to pass under the bridge in advance."
Ga Law has actually 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 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 clearly on the very same day, so we'll decide which method we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and then we might go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) later on," Snowden stated.
"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 actually campaigning him over two and a half (miles).
"I believe now is the time to go up in trip. He's now 9 years of ages and we will start at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and then think about the Hennessy maybe."