'Exciting ´ French Ship Sailing Onwards And Upwards

All choices remain open for French Ship following his simple success at Newbury on Saturday.


Philip Hobbs and Johnson White's gifted five-year-old had been raised 8lb for a win at Cheltenham in November, however he still looked ahead of the handicapper.


He has been hit with another 10lb rise as a result and connections now require to decide whether to till on with big weights in handicaps or take the plunge into graded company.


"He's been put up 10lb, which is quite a hike, but equally it was a very strong performance," stated White.


"We could not have actually been happier with the run and also how he's come out of the race, which is the most crucial thing.


"We have actually no particular strategies at the minute, we wish to simply see how he is and after that we'll go from there.


French Ship has been impressive so far this season (Steven Paston/PA)


"A mark of 146 means we're either towards the head of the weights in good handicaps or he makes the leap into graded company, he remains in that area now.


"He keeps appearing to enhance, ideally he'll improve enough to lump round off 146. Harry (Cobden) was really complimentary, understandably. He says he's got the gears to take a trip over shorter, however he likewise stated he 'd stay even more.


"He's a charming horse, who we are extremely delighted by."


It could be a huge weekend for the Minehead lawn, with two of their interesting youngsters due to be in action at different ends of the country.


Sober Glory, a 12-length winner on debut, is scheduled in for the Listed Betfair Exchange Claremont Novices' Hurdle at Sandown, while Captain Hugo beat 2 clever enters Sinnatra and Storming George when he last ran and goes north to Aintree.


White said: "Sober Glory goes to Sandown on Saturday. I thought they 'd have a bit more rain yesterday, in fact, but he'll go there. Captain Hugo will go to Aintree on Saturday as well, so we've lots to look forwards to."