Lookaway Back In The Winning Groove

Neil King's Lookaway made a welcome go back to the winner's enclosure in the Coral "Daily Rewards Shaker" Handicap Chase at Kempton.


Winner of the Aintree bumper as a youngster, he was also placed in both the Greatwood Hurdle and Challow in late 2023 however his development over the larger challenges has been prevented by a breathing issue in more current times.


However, the 7-2 chance served a prompt pointer of his quality in the hands of Jack Quinlan to register an emphatic 24-length win and bring a go back to the Sunbury place into the formula.


King stated: "He would have offered the winner plenty to think of at Newbury last time if he had actually jumped the last and he's put them to bed and done it well today.


"He deserves this, he is the most real horse. Last season we were looking forward to our novice chase season and he got off to the best start however then he had a breathing issue and missed the remainder of the season.


"I have actually constantly loved him, he's a high-class horse. We'll see where we go now. His owner Peter Beadles is going to Cheltenham Trials day in two weeks' time so it may be great to go there with him, but we'll get him home to assess.


Lookaway returned on track at Kempton (Steven Paston/PA)


"The huge three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is also possible as I would not be versus stepping up in journey and I think 3 miles here would be pretty amazing.


"The Festival remains in the back of the mind like it is with any winning horse, but I 'd rather be reasonable and keep winning than just go to Cheltenham in March for a great lunch."


Alan King's The Doyen Chief (5-4 preferred) might also have another check out to Kempton on his after combating Ben Pauling's Your Darling in the Coral "New" Horse Racing Bet Builder Handicap Chase.


"It appeared like he didn't rather remain at Cheltenham last time and obviously 3 and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit different to three miles here," said King's assistant Robin Smith.


"It was a great dive at the last and he was really great from the back of there to return up I believed.


"Newbury (Coral Gold Cup, when missing the start) was aggravating and kind of put a spanner in the works, but it's nice to return on track today.


"It wouldn't amaze me if he came back at the end of next month for what was Ladbrokes Trophy."