Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "ideal 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 look of the previous campaign and selected up where he left off at Uttoxeter previously this month.


It may have only been a two-horse race, however Laurens Bay leapt efficiently on his first start over fences and went out a seven-length winner to the pleasure 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 might the handicap path, depending upon his mark after his remarkable victory.


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


"He jumped really well. You can't really 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 outstanding chase debut (Nigel French/PA)


"We may consider 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 numerous alternatives.


"It all depends on where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he winds up in a graded novice or whether he decreases the handicap route. There's clearly a lot of water to pass under the bridge ahead of time."


Ga Law has been a fantastic servant to Snowden and the nine-year-old will step up to three 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 obviously on the very 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) afterwards," Snowden stated.


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


"I believe now is the time to increase in trip. He's now nine years of ages and we will start at three miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and then consider the Hennessy maybe."