Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options
Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "best start" to chasing after and he might make an immediate step up in class next time out.
The six-year-old landed the valuable EBF Final at Sandown on his last appearance of the previous campaign and chose up where he ended at Uttoxeter earlier this month.
It may 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 fitness instructor.
The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November could be next on his agenda but he could decrease the handicap path, depending upon his mark after his excellent success.
"He's come out of it well, undoubtedly a perfect start to his chasing career which is lovely to see," Snowden said.
"He leapt really well. You can't really tell from a two-horse race, however he did it remarkably and he's an exciting horse going forward.
Laurens Bay could be heading to Cheltenham after a remarkable chase debut (Nigel French/PA)
"We might think about that Listed newbie 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 .
"It all depends upon 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 obviously plenty 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 upcoming season.
He will be in action on November 1, however 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 exact 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 said.
"In the last few years, 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 actually campaigning him over 2 and a half (miles).
"I believe now is the time to go up in trip. He's now 9 years old and we will begin at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and then consider the Hennessy maybe."