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 Challow in late 2023 but his development over the larger obstacles has been impeded by a breathing issue in more recent times.


However, the 7-2 possibility served a prompt suggestion 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 equation.


King stated: "He would have provided the winner plenty to think about 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 genuine horse. Last season we were eagerly anticipating our novice chase season and he left to the ideal start however then he had a breathing problem and missed the remainder of the season.


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


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 against up in trip and I believe 3 miles here would be quite exciting.


"The Festival remains 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 good lunch."


Alan King's The Doyen Chief (5-4 preferred) might likewise have another visit to Kempton on his agenda after eradicating 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 3 and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit different to three miles here," said King's assistant Robin Smith.


"It was an excellent dive 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 aggravating and type of put a spanner in the works, however it's good to get back on track today.


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