Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

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


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


It might have just been a two-horse race, however Laurens Bay leapt efficiently on his first start over fences and ran out a seven-length winner to the delight of his Lambourn-based trainer.


The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November might be next on his program but he might go down the handicap path, on his mark after his remarkable success.


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


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


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


"We may consider 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 numerous alternatives.


"All of it depends upon where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he winds up in a graded novice or whether he goes down the handicap path. There's undoubtedly lots 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 upcoming 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 certainly on the very same day, so we'll decide which way we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that we might go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) later on," Snowden stated.


"In current years, we were second 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 journey. He's now nine years of ages and we will begin at three miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and then believe about the Hennessy perhaps."