Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

Jamie Snowden hailed Laurens Bay's "perfect start" to chasing and he could make an immediate action 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 got where he left off at Uttoxeter previously this month.


It may have just been a two-horse race, however Laurens Bay leapt effectively on his 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 agenda however he could go down the handicap route, depending on his mark after his outstanding success.


"He's come out of it well, certainly a perfect start to his going after profession which is charming to see," Snowden stated.


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


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


"We may consider that Listed newbie 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 several alternatives.


"All of it depends upon where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he ends up in a graded amateur or whether he goes down the handicap route. There's undoubtedly a lot of water to pass under the bridge ahead of time."


Ga Law has actually 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 travel 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 exact same day, so we'll decide 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," said.


"Recently, 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 two and a half (miles).


"I think now is the time to increase in trip. He's now nine years old and we will start at 3 miles either at Wetherby or Down Royal, and then consider the Hennessy perhaps."