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 youngster, he was also positioned in both the Greatwood Hurdle and Challow in late 2023 however his development over the larger barriers has been impeded by a breathing problem in more current times.


However, the 7-2 possibility served a prompt tip 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 formula.


King said: "He would have given the winner plenty to think of at Newbury last time if he had actually jumped 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 anticipating our beginner chase season and he got off to the ideal start however then he had a breathing issue and missed out on the remainder of the season.


"I have actually always liked him, he's a classy 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, however we'll get him home to assess.


Lookaway got back on track at Kempton (Steven Paston/PA)


"The big three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is also possible as I would not protest stepping up in trip and I believe three miles here would be quite exciting.


"The Festival is in the back of the mind like it is with any winning horse, however 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 likewise have another check out to Kempton on his agenda after fighting off Ben Pauling's Your Darling in the Coral "New" Horse Racing Bet Builder Handicap Chase.


"It appeared like he didn't rather stay at Cheltenham last time and clearly 3 and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit various to three miles here," said King's assistant Robin Smith.


"It was a great jump at the last and he was excellent from the back of there to get back up I believed.


" (Coral Gold Cup, when missing out on the start) was frustrating and sort of put a spanner in the works, but it's good to return on track today.


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