Skybet Supreme Novices' Hurdle Trial |
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| Grade 2, Cheltenham 15:55 £50,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 150yds, Class 1  |
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1 Lookaway 9/2
2 Kamsinas 7/1
3 Idy Wood 22/1
8 ran Distances 2¾,1¾,1¼
Time: 3m 58.30s (slow by 9.30s)
A commanding performance from Lookaway who completes the hat-trick in fine style for @@NeilKingRacing in the G2 @SkyBet Novices' Hurdle
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) October 27, 2023
A first winner at Cheltenham for @jackquinlan92 👇 pic.twitter.com/lY1zsIKD3Z
Lookaway, the six-year-old trained by Neil King, is set to make a return to Cheltenham for the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle later this month after leaving a lasting impression on the track in recent outings.
Having claimed victory in Aintree's Grade Two bumper in 2022, Lookaway initially faced a lackluster start to his hurdling career last season. However, he bounced back impressively, securing a Graded level win here, making all the right moves.
This triumph served as the perfect follow-up to his successful performances over timber at Uttoxeter earlier in the summer. With a hurdling hat-trick now under his belt, Lookaway is poised to take on the competitive handicap that headlines the final day of Cheltenham's November meeting.
Lookaway's handler believes that now is the opportune moment to test his mettle in deeper company, adding an extra layer of anticipation to his upcoming Cheltenham appearance.
“It was the perfect start to his season and we were obviously thrilled,” said King.
“We went there with high expectations and he couldn’t have done it any more nicely. Jack (Quinlan, jockey) has given him a nice positive ride from the front there, he’s jumped great, he’s travelled and won his race.
“The Greatwood is on the agenda. He’s gone up 10lb which one has to take on the chin. He could have gone up 5lb, 10lb or 15lb so we will take that there and that’s the definite next plan for him, to go back to Cheltenham for the Greatwood.
“He’s a young and improving horse and that’s the time to go for a handicap, isn’t it?”
Sky Bet Novices' Hurdle
(Registered As The Sharp Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2)
£50,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m 87y, Class 1
8 ran
Going: Good
1 Lookaway 6 11-2 Neil King Jack Quinlan 9/2
2 2¾ Kamsinas 6 11-2 Fergal O'Brien Paddy Brennan7/1
3 1¾ Idy Wood 5 11-2 Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan 22/1
4 1¼ Wiliethebuilder 4 11-1 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 11/4
5 3¾ Toto Too 6 11-2 Peter Fahey Keith Donoghue 13/8F
6 1½ Act of Authority 5 11-2 Olly Murphy Sean Bowen 15/2
7 shd Parade Away 5 11-2 Milton Harris Harry Reed 33/1
PU Enthused 6 11-2 James Owen Harry Cobden 28/1
