Laurens Bay Has Snowden Pondering His Options

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


It might have just been a two-horse race, but Laurens Bay leapt efficiently on his very first start over fences and ran 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 agenda but he could go down the handicap route, depending upon his mark after his outstanding victory.


"He's come out of it well, clearly an ideal start to his chasing profession which is beautiful to see," Snowden stated.


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


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


"We may think of 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 a number of choices.


"Everything depends upon where he ends up with his handicap mark, whether he ends up in a graded amateur or whether he decreases the handicap path. There's clearly a lot of water to pass under the bridge ahead of time."


Ga Law has actually been a great servant to 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 undoubtedly on the very same day, so we'll choose which way we will go, whether it's Wetherby or Down Royal, and after that we may go to the Hennessey (Coral Gold Cup) later on," Snowden stated.


"In the last few years, we were second in the Paddy Power (Gold Cup) in 2015 and we won the Paddy Power a number of years before that, so we were really campaigning him over 2 and a half (miles).


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