'Exciting ´ French Ship Sailing Onwards And Upwards

All alternatives stay open for French Ship following his easy triumph at Newbury on Saturday.


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


He has actually been struck with another 10lb rise as a result and connections now need to decide whether to till on with big weights in handicaps or take the plunge into graded business.


"He's been set up 10lb, which is rather a hike, however similarly it was an extremely strong performance," stated White.


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


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


French Ship has been impressive up until now 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 appearing to enhance, ideally he'll enough to lump round off 146. Harry (Cobden) was really complimentary, understandably. He states he's got the gears to travel over shorter, but he likewise stated he 'd stay even more.


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


It could be a big weekend for the Minehead backyard, with two of their exciting children due to be in action at different ends of the country.


Sober Glory, a 12-length winner on hurdling launching, is booked 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 the other day, in fact, but he'll go there. Captain Hugo will go to Aintree on Saturday as well, so we have actually lots to look forwards to."