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 progress over the bigger challenges 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 place into the equation.


King said: "He would have given the winner plenty to think of 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 real horse. Last season we were anticipating our amateur chase season and he left to the best start but then he had a breathing issue and missed the rest of the season.


"I've constantly 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 might be great to go there with him, but we'll get him home to examine.


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 pretty interesting.


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


Alan King's The (5-4 preferred) might also have another check out to Kempton on his agenda after battling 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 certainly three and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit various to three miles here," stated King's assistant Robin Smith.


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


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


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