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 placed 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 chance served a timely pointer of his quality in the hands of Jack Quinlan to sign up an emphatic 24-length win and bring a return to the Sunbury place into the formula.


King stated: "He would have offered the winner plenty to think 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 beginner chase season and he left to the best start however then he had a breathing issue and missed 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 two weeks' time so it might be great to go there with him, however 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 also possible as I wouldn't protest stepping up in trip and I think three miles here would be quite interesting.


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


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


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


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


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