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 also put in both the Greatwood Hurdle and Challow in late 2023 however his development over the bigger challenges has actually been prevented by a breathing concern in more current times.


However, the 7-2 possibility served a timely tip of his quality in the hands of Jack Quinlan to register an emphatic 24-length win and bring a return to the Sunbury location into the formula.


King stated: "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 looking forward to our newbie chase season and he left to the ideal start but then he had a breathing issue and missed out on the remainder of the season.


"I have actually always enjoyed him, he's an elite 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, however 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 wouldn't protest stepping up in trip and I think 3 miles here would be quite amazing.


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


Alan King's The Doyen Chief (5-4 preferred) could also have another visit to Kempton on his program after 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 certainly 3 and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit different to 3 miles here," stated King's assistant Robin Smith.


"It was an excellent 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 great to return on track today.


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