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 likewise positioned in both the Greatwood Hurdle and Challow in late 2023 but his progress over the larger barriers has been impeded by a breathing concern in more recent times.


However, the 7-2 chance served a prompt reminder of his quality in the hands of Jack Quinlan to sign up an emphatic 24-length win and bring a return to the place into the formula.


King said: "He would have given the winner plenty to believe about 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 looking forward to our newbie chase season and he left to the ideal start but then he had a breathing issue and missed the rest of the season.


"I have actually constantly enjoyed him, he's a classy horse. We'll see where we go now. His owner Peter Beadles is going to Cheltenham Trials day in 2 weeks' time so it may be good to go there with him, but we'll get him home to examine.


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


"The big three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is likewise possible as I would not be against stepping up in trip and I believe three miles here would be pretty amazing.


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


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


"It looked like he didn't quite remain at Cheltenham last time and certainly 3 and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit different to 3 miles here," stated King's assistant Robin Smith.


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


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


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