Abbey ready first time out at Ascot

The February Ascot meeting is often a target for Nicky Henderson and he sends a team of five this year headed by Jingko Blue in the Reynoldstown Chase. That has an obvious chance but my attention is drawn to Bective Abbey who makes his seasonal debut in what looks a competitive 17 runner 3m Novice Handicap Hurdle that opens the card at 1.15.

Bective Abbey was purchased from the same Irish team that sourced Constitution Hill for the yard.

Disappointing on his debut for the yard he was given a good break of 134 days before returning at Warwick , where supposedly the stables second string he bolted up at 8/1. Not much has come out to boost the form but nevertheless the opening mark of 114 looks extremely attractive.

The key to his chances of winning this race, first time out this season lies in Nicky Hendersons record when contesting Handicap Hurdles at Ascot with horses making their seasonal reappearance.

In recent years there have been only five, with the following results:

Break My Soul 2nd Class 3 Handicap Hurdle 10/1 (btn Nose)

East India Express Won Class 3 Handicap Hurdle 7/1

Fils D’Oudaries 2nd Class 2 Handicap Hurdle 2nd 6/1

Different Gravy Won Class 3 Handicap Hurdle 5/1

Spartan Angle 4th Class 3 2m5f Handicap Hurdle 4th 7/1

You can add Jenkins who won a handicap hurdle first time out at Kempton and then 7 days later followed up at Ascot to win a handicap hurdle with ease at 5/1

That record proves the yard doesn’t run their horses first time out at Ascot without having a serious chance.

The bookies haven’t missed Bective Abbey and the early price of 7/2 Ew 1-5 places is not generous but he is low as 9/4 with Bet 365. He should win.

1pt win Bective Abbey 7/2 1.15 Ascot