Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "perfect start" to chasing after and he might make an instant 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 campaign and selected up where he ended at Uttoxeter earlier this month.


It may have only been a two-horse race, but Laurens Bay jumped successfully on his very 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 could go down the handicap route, depending on his mark after his outstanding victory.


"He's come out of it well, undoubtedly a best start to his chasing career which is lovely to see," Snowden said.


"He jumped actually well. You can't actually tell from a two-horse race, but he did it impressively and he's an exciting horse moving forward.


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


"We might consider that Listed amateur at Cheltenham at the November 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 winds up in a graded amateur or whether he decreases the handicap route. There's clearly a lot of water to pass under the bridge in advance."


Ga Law has been a terrific 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 choose 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 clearly on the very same day, so we'll choose which way we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and then we might go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) afterwards," Snowden stated.


"In recent years, we were 2nd in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) last year and we won the Paddy Power a couple of years before that, so we were really campaigning him over two and a half (miles).


"I believe now is the time to go up in trip. He's now nine years old and we will begin at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and then consider the Hennessy possibly."