Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

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


The six-year-old landed the important 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 just been a two-horse race, but Laurens Bay leapt on his very first start over fences and ran out a seven-length winner to the pleasure of his Lambourn-based trainer.


The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in November might be next on his program but he might go down the handicap route, depending upon his mark after his excellent success.


"He's come out of it well, obviously a perfect start to his chasing career which is lovely to see," Snowden stated.


"He leapt really well. You can't actually inform from a two-horse race, however he did it remarkably and he's an interesting horse going forward.


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


"We might think about 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 numerous options.


"All of it depends on where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he winds up in a graded novice or whether he goes down the handicap route. There's undoubtedly 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, however the Folly House handler has yet to choose whether to take a trip to Wetherby for the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase or throughout 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 way we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and then we might go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) afterwards," Snowden stated.


"Over the last few years, we were 2nd in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) last year and we won the Paddy Power a couple of years before that, so we were really campaigning him over two and a half (miles).


"I think now is the time to go up in trip. He's now nine years of ages and we will start at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that consider the Hennessy perhaps."