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 likewise placed in both the Greatwood Hurdle and Challow in late 2023 however his development over the larger challenges has been hindered by a breathing problem in more current times.
However, the 7-2 possibility served a prompt pointer of his quality in the hands of Jack Quinlan to sign up an emphatic 24-length win and bring a go back to the Sunbury venue into the formula.
King stated: "He would have offered the winner plenty to consider at Newbury last time if he had jumped the last and he's put them to bed and done it well today.
"He deserves this, he is the most authentic horse. Last season we were looking forward to our novice chase season and he left to the ideal start but then he had a breathing problem and missed out on the remainder of the season.
"I've constantly loved 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 might be great 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 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 Doyen Chief (5-4 preferred) could 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 appeared like he didn't quite remain at Cheltenham last time and undoubtedly 3 and a quarter miles at Cheltenham is a bit different to 3 miles here," said King's assistant Robin Smith.
"It was a great dive at the last and he was excellent from the back of there to get back up I thought.
" (Coral Gold Cup, when missing the start) was discouraging and kind of put a spanner in the works, however it's nice to get back on track today.
"It wouldn't shock me if he came back at the end of next month for what was Ladbrokes Trophy."