Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

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


The six-year-old landed the important EBF Final at Sandown on his last appearance of the previous and got where he ended at Uttoxeter earlier this month.


It might have just been a two-horse race, however Laurens Bay leapt effectively 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 could be next on his program but he might go down the handicap path, depending on his mark after his excellent triumph.


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


"He jumped truly well. You can't actually inform from a two-horse race, however he did it remarkably and he's an amazing horse moving forward.


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


"We may think of that Listed newbie 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 a number of options.


"It all depends upon where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he ends up in a graded newbie or whether he goes down the handicap route. There's obviously lots of water to pass under the bridge ahead of time."


Ga Law has been an excellent 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 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 obviously on the same day, so we'll decide which method we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that we may go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) later on," Snowden stated.


"In 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 really campaigning him over two and a half (miles).


"I think 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 consider the Hennessy perhaps."