'Exciting ´ French Ship Sailing Onwards And Upwards

All options stay open for French Ship following his easy success at Newbury on Saturday.


Philip Hobbs and Johnson White's skilled five-year-old had actually been raised 8lb for a win at Cheltenham in November, but he still looked ahead of the handicapper.


He has been struck with another 10lb increase as an outcome and now need to decide whether to till on with big weights in handicaps or start into graded company.


"He's been set up 10lb, which is quite a walking, but similarly it was a really strong performance," said White.


"We couldn't have actually been happier with the run and likewise how he's come out of the race, which is the most important thing.


"We have actually no particular strategies at the moment, we desire to simply see how he is and after that we'll go from there.


French Ship has actually been impressive so far this season (Steven Paston/PA)


"A mark of 146 means we're either towards the head of the weights in good handicaps or he makes the leap into graded company, he's in that area now.


"He keeps seeming to improve, ideally he'll enhance enough to lump round off 146. Harry (Cobden) was really complimentary, understandably. He states he's got the gears to take a trip over shorter, but he likewise said he 'd stay further.


"He's a beautiful horse, who we are really excited by."


It could be a big weekend for the Minehead lawn, with 2 of their exciting children due to be in action at various ends of the nation.


Sober Glory, a 12-length winner on hurdling launching, is reserved in for the Listed Betfair Exchange Claremont Novices' Hurdle at Sandown, while Captain Hugo beat two smart key ins Sinnatra and Storming George when he last ran and goes north to Aintree.


White said: "Sober Glory goes to Sandown on Saturday. I thought they 'd have a bit more rain yesterday, actually, however he'll go there. Captain Hugo will go to Aintree on Saturday as well, so we've lots to look forwards to."