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 positioned in both the Greatwood Hurdle and Challow in late 2023 but his development over the larger obstacles has been hindered by a breathing problem in more current times.


However, the 7-2 opportunity served a timely 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 venue into the formula.


King said: "He would have offered the winner plenty to think of at Newbury last time if he had 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 right start but then he had a breathing issue and missed out on the remainder of the season.


"I've constantly loved 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 nice to go there with him, however we'll get him home to examine.


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


"The huge three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is likewise possible as I wouldn't be versus stepping up in journey and I think three miles here would be quite exciting.


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


Alan King's The Doyen Chief (5-4 favourite) might likewise have another visit to Kempton on his program after battling off Ben Pauling's Your 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 3 miles here," said King's assistant Robin Smith.


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


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


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