Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

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


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


It may have only been a two-horse race, but Laurens Bay leapt effectively on his very first start over fences and ran 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 might be next on his but he could go down the handicap path, depending upon his mark after his remarkable victory.


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


"He jumped really well. You can't actually distinguish a two-horse race, however he did it impressively and he's an interesting horse moving forward.


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


"We might think about 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.


"All of it depends upon where he winds up with his handicap mark, whether he winds up in a graded newbie or whether he decreases the handicap route. There's obviously a lot of water to pass under the bridge beforehand."


Ga Law has been a terrific servant to Snowden and the nine-year-old will step up to three miles for the forthcoming season.


He will be in action on November 1, however the Folly House handler has yet to choose 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 clearly on the exact 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) later on," Snowden stated.


"Over the last few years, we were second in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) last year and we won the Paddy Power a couple of years before that, so we were actually campaigning him over two and a half (miles).


"I believe now is the time to increase in trip. He's now 9 years of ages and we will begin at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that consider the Hennessy maybe."