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 also positioned 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 chance served a timely tip of his quality in the hands of Jack Quinlan to register an emphatic 24-length win and bring a go back to the place into the equation.


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 eagerly anticipating our novice chase season and he left to the best start however then he had a breathing issue and missed the remainder of the season.


"I have actually 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 great to go there with him, however we'll get him home to evaluate.


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


"The huge three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is also possible as I would not protest stepping up in trip and I think three miles here would be pretty interesting.


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


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


"It appeared like he didn't quite stay 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 believed.


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


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