'Exciting ´ French Ship Sailing Onwards And Upwards

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


Philip Hobbs and Johnson White's talented 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 hit with another 10lb rise as a result and connections now need to decide whether to plough on with huge weights in handicaps or take the plunge into graded business.


"He's been installed 10lb, which is rather a walking, but equally it was an extremely strong performance," said White.


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


"We have actually no particular strategies at the minute, we desire to just see how he is and then we'll go from there.


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


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


"He keeps appearing to enhance, ideally he'll enhance enough to 146. Harry (Cobden) was really complimentary, understandably. He says he's got the gears to travel over much shorter, however he likewise said he 'd stay even more.


"He's a charming horse, who we are really thrilled by."


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


Sober Glory, a 12-length winner on hurdling debut, is booked in for the Listed Betfair Exchange Claremont Novices' Hurdle at Sandown, while Captain Hugo beat 2 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, in fact, however he'll go there. Captain Hugo will go to Aintree on Saturday too, so we've lots to look forwards to."