Lookaway may set sights on Betfair Hurdle as a potential aim

Lookaway Contemplates Betfair Hurdle or Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle

Intrigue surrounds Lookaway, the Challow Hurdle runner-up, as he ponders his next move on the road to the highly anticipated Cheltenham Festival. With options at Newbury for the Betfair Hurdle and at Huntingdon for the M1 Agency Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle, trainer Neil King is carefully considering which path to take.

The seven-year-old has quietly established himself as a standout performer in this season’s novice hurdling division. Although his winning streak recently came to an end, Lookaway continues to impress with top-notch performances.

After finishing second in the Greatwood Hurdle and subsequently stepping up in trip for his first taste of Grade One action, Lookaway put up a valiant fight against Paul Nicholls’ Captain Teague in a thrilling event that closed out 2023. Trainer Neil King was thrilled with his horse’s performance and believes there is more to come.

“I thought it was a massive run from him,” said King. “Just with the wrong result though.” He added enthusiastically, “He’s come back home in really good form! I’ve ridden him out this morning and he’s looking fantastic.”

The handicapper only raised Lookaway’s weight by 1lb following that impressive display. This tempting situation has led King to consider entering him into the Betfair Hurdle. However, some believe the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle, which covers a similar distance to the Challow, would be a more logical stepping stone towards Prestbury Park.

“We could think about an entry in the Betfair,” King admitted. “But maybe the Sidney Banks would be a more obvious target on our way to Cheltenham.”