'Exciting ´ French Ship Sailing Onwards And Upwards

All options remain open for French Ship following his simple 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, however he still looked ahead of the handicapper.


He has been hit with another 10lb increase as a result and connections now need to decide whether to plough on with big weights in handicaps or take the plunge into graded company.


"He's been put up 10lb, which is quite a walking, however similarly it was an extremely strong efficiency," stated 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 crucial thing.


"We've no particular plans at the minute, we desire to just see how he is and after that we'll go from there.


French Ship has been excellent up until now this season (Steven Paston/PA)


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


"He keeps appearing to enhance, hopefully he'll improve enough to swelling settle 146. Harry (Cobden) was extremely complimentary, naturally. He states he's got the gears to take a trip over much shorter, however he likewise said he 'd stay further.


"He's a beautiful horse, who we are extremely thrilled by."


It might be a huge weekend for the Minehead yard, with 2 of their amazing youngsters due to be in action at various ends of the nation.


Sober Glory, a 12-length winner on hurdling debut, is reserved in for the Listed Betfair Exchange Claremont Hurdle at Sandown, while Captain Hugo beat two smart enters 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, but he'll go there. Captain Hugo will go to Aintree on Saturday also, so we have actually lots to look forwards to."