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 put in both the Greatwood Hurdle and Challow in late 2023 however his development over the larger barriers has actually been prevented by a breathing issue in more recent times.


However, the 7-2 opportunity served a prompt reminder of his quality in the hands of Jack Quinlan to register an emphatic 24-length win and bring a return to the Sunbury place into the equation.


King stated: "He would have provided the winner plenty to believe about 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 genuine horse. Last season we were looking forward to our newbie chase season and he got off to the right start however then he had a breathing problem and missed the remainder of the season.


"I have actually always liked 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 nice to go there with him, but 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 would not protest stepping up in trip and I believe three miles here would be pretty exciting.


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


Alan King's The Doyen Chief (5-4 favourite) might likewise have another visit to Kempton on his program after eradicating Ben Pauling's Your Darling in the Coral "New" Bet Builder Handicap Chase.


"It looked like he didn't quite remain at Cheltenham last time and obviously 3 and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit various to 3 miles here," stated 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 aggravating and sort of put a spanner in the works, however it's great to get back on track today.


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