Lookaway Back In The Winning Groove

Neil King's Lookaway made a welcome return 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 positioned in both the Greatwood Hurdle and in late 2023 however his progress over the larger challenges has actually been prevented by a breathing concern in more recent times.


However, the 7-2 opportunity served a timely tip 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 offered the winner plenty to think of at Newbury last time if he had actually leapt 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 anticipating our beginner chase season and he got off to the best start but then he had a breathing issue and missed out on the remainder of the season.


"I've always 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 evaluate.


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


"The huge three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is likewise possible as I would not be versus stepping up in trip and I think 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 sensible and keep winning than just go to Cheltenham in March for a good lunch."


Alan King's The Doyen Chief (5-4 preferred) could likewise have another see to Kempton on his agenda after battling off 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 undoubtedly three and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit different to three miles here," stated King's assistant Robin Smith.


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


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