'Exciting ´ French Ship Sailing Onwards And Upwards

All choices remain open for French Ship following his easy triumph at Newbury on Saturday.


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 been struck with another 10lb increase as a result and connections now require to choose whether to plough on with huge weights in handicaps or take the plunge into graded business.


"He's been installed 10lb, which is quite a hike, however equally it was a really strong efficiency," stated White.


"We couldn't have actually been happier with the run and also 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 then we'll go from there.


French Ship has 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 territory now.


"He keeps seeming to enhance, ideally he'll improve enough to lump settle 146. Harry (Cobden) was really complimentary, understandably. He says he's got the gears to travel over much shorter, but he likewise said he 'd remain further.


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


It could be a huge weekend for the Minehead yard, with two of their exciting youngsters 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 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 believed they 'd have a bit more rain yesterday, in fact, but he'll go there. Captain Hugo will go to Aintree on Saturday also, so we've lots to look forwards to."