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 and Challow in late 2023 but his progress over the larger barriers has actually been impeded by a breathing issue in more current 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 Sunbury place into the equation.


King stated: "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 anticipating our beginner chase season and he left to the best start but then he had a breathing problem and missed the remainder of the season.


"I've constantly 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 may be nice to go there with him, but 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 likewise possible as I wouldn't be versus stepping up in trip and I believe three miles here would be pretty amazing.


"The Festival remains in the back of the mind like it is with any winning horse, however I 'd rather be practical and keep on 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 see to Kempton on his program 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 clearly three and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit various to 3 miles here," said King's assistant Robin Smith.


"It was a good dive at the last and he was really great from the back of there to return up I thought.


"Newbury (Coral Gold Cup, when missing the start) was frustrating and sort of put a spanner in the works, however it's nice 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."