Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "ideal start" to chasing after and he might make an instant action 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 got where he ended at Uttoxeter previously this month.


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


The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November could be next on his program however he might decrease the handicap path, depending upon his mark after his .


"He's come out of it well, obviously a best start to his going after career which is lovely to see," Snowden said.


"He leapt truly well. You can't actually distinguish a two-horse race, but he did it impressively and he's an amazing horse going forward.


Laurens Bay might be heading to Cheltenham after a remarkable chase debut (Nigel French/PA)


"We may consider that Listed amateur 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 several options.


"All of it depends on where he winds up with his handicap mark, whether he ends up in a graded novice or whether he goes down the handicap route. There's certainly a lot 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 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 clearly on the same day, so we'll choose which way we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and then we may go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) later on," Snowden said.


"In current years, we were 2nd in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) last year and we won the Paddy Power a number of years before that, so we were truly campaigning him over 2 and a half (miles).


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