Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "ideal start" to going 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 left off at Uttoxeter earlier this month.


It may have only been a two-horse race, but Laurens Bay leapt effectively on his very 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 however he could go down the handicap path, depending upon his mark after his outstanding success.


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


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


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


"We might consider that Listed amateur 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 a number of choices.


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


Ga Law has been an excellent 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 decide 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 choose 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.


"In the last few 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 2 and a half (miles).


"I think now is the time to in trip. He's now 9 years old and we will begin at three miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that believe about the Hennessy possibly."