'Exciting ´ French Ship Sailing Onwards And Upwards

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


Philip Hobbs and Johnson White's gifted five-year-old had 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 rise as a result and connections now require to decide whether to till on with big weights in handicaps or start into graded business.


"He's been installed 10lb, which is quite a walking, however similarly it was a really strong efficiency," said White.


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


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


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


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


"He keeps appearing to improve, ideally he'll enhance enough to lump round off 146. Harry (Cobden) was very complimentary, understandably. He says he's got the gears to travel over much shorter, however he likewise stated he 'd remain even more.


"He's a lovely horse, who we are extremely excited by."


It might be a huge weekend for the Minehead backyard, with two 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 scheduled in for the Listed Betfair Claremont Novices' Hurdle at Sandown, while Captain Hugo beat 2 clever 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 the other day, actually, but he'll go there. Captain Hugo will go to Aintree on Saturday as well, so we have actually lots to look forwards to."