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 child, he was likewise placed in both the Greatwood Hurdle and Challow in late 2023 however his progress over the larger obstacles has been hindered by a breathing problem in more recent times.


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


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


"He deserves this, he is the most authentic horse. Last season we were anticipating our amateur chase season and he left to the best start but then he had a breathing issue and missed the rest 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 2 weeks' time so it might be good to go there with him, but we'll get him home to assess.


Lookaway got back on track at Kempton (Steven Paston/PA)


"The big three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is likewise possible as I wouldn't be against stepping up in trip and I believe three miles here would be quite interesting.


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


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


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


"It was an excellent jump at the last and he was really excellent from the back of there to return up I thought.


"Newbury (Coral Gold Cup, when missing out on the start) was discouraging and sort of put a spanner in the works, however it's great to return on track today.


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