Neil King Aims for Breakthrough in Coral Challow Novices' Hurdle with Lookaway

Trainer Neil King targets his first Grade 1 triumph this Saturday at the Coral Challow Novices' Hurdle in Newbury. Lookaway, the pride of his stable, will debut in the Grade 1 competition.

High Stakes at Newbury

The 2m4½f race, the only Grade 1 event of the National Hunt season at Newbury, boasts a total prize fund of £85,000. Lookaway enters the fray following a second-place finish in the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Lookaway's Journey to Grade 1

Having won the Grade 2 Sharp Novices' Hurdle, Lookaway began the season with consecutive victories at Uttoxeter before progressing to graded hurdles. King expressed his confidence in Lookaway's form since Cheltenham and is optimistic about the step up in distance.

King's Strategy and Expectations

King, encouraged by Lookaway's performance in the Greatwood, sees potential for improvement with the increased distance of the Challow. He believes Lookaway is a strong contender, deserving of recognition alongside horses trained by more renowned trainers like Henderson or Nicholls.

Track and Ground Conditions

With conditions at Newbury currently good-to-soft and soft in places, King is confident that the track's nature and Lookaway's versatility with ground conditions will work in their favor.

Quest for Grade 1 Glory

King reflects on the near misses with Lil Rockerfeller in the Stayers' Hurdle, emphasizing the significance of a Grade 1 victory, especially for a smaller stable like his.

Notable Contenders in the Field

Lookaway faces stiff competition, with Nicky Henderson's Willmount leading the betting after a decisive win at Newbury in the Novices' Hurdle. Paul Nicholls fields strong contenders in Farnoge and Captain Teague, while other hopefuls include Johnnywho, Masaccio, The Jukebox Man, and Bullets Hill.

Neil King is poised for a potentially historic weekend with Lookaway in the Coral Challow Novices' Hurdle. The trainer's belief in his horse's ability and the strategic decision to step up in the trip highlight Lookaway as a horse to watch in this high-profile Grade 1 race.