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 progress over the larger barriers has been impeded by a breathing concern in more recent times.
However, the 7-2 opportunity served a prompt reminder 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 place into the equation.
King said: "He would have given the winner plenty to think of 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 genuine horse. Last season we were looking forward to our newbie chase season and he left to the ideal start but then he had a breathing issue and missed the remainder of the season.
"I've always 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 might be nice to go there with him, but we'll get him home to examine.
Lookaway returned on track at Kempton (Steven Paston/PA)
"The huge three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is likewise possible as I would not be against stepping up in trip and I think 3 miles here would be quite interesting.
"The Festival is in the back of the mind like it is with any winning horse, but I 'd rather be sensible and continue winning than just go to Cheltenham in March for a good lunch."
Alan King's The Doyen Chief (5-4 preferred) might also have another visit to Kempton on his agenda after fighting off Ben Pauling's Your Darling in the Coral "New" Horse Racing Bet Builder Handicap Chase.
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 progress over the larger barriers has been impeded by a breathing concern in more recent times.
However, the 7-2 opportunity served a prompt reminder 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 place into the equation.
King said: "He would have given the winner plenty to think of 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 genuine horse. Last season we were looking forward to our newbie chase season and he left to the ideal start but then he had a breathing issue and missed the remainder of the season.
"I've always 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 might be nice to go there with him, but we'll get him home to examine.
Lookaway returned on track at Kempton (Steven Paston/PA)
"The huge three-mile race here (Ladbrokes Trophy, February 21) is likewise possible as I would not be against stepping up in trip and I think 3 miles here would be quite interesting.
"The Festival is in the back of the mind like it is with any winning horse, but I 'd rather be sensible and continue winning than just go to Cheltenham in March for a good lunch."
Alan King's The Doyen Chief (5-4 preferred) might also have another visit to Kempton on his agenda after fighting off Ben Pauling's Your Darling in the Coral "New" Horse Racing Bet Builder Handicap Chase.