Change of plan pays off handsomely for Abareeq

The decision to divert from the original plan paid off double fold for connections of Abareeq, who returned from a break to claim the feature £19,000 handicap.

The Mark Johnston-trained four-year-old had been slated for Saturday’s Lincoln Trial before the lure of a decent prize in a less competitive contest triggered a change of heart.

And in winning the 1m2f handicap on his first start in 107 days, Abareeq, who finished a trailed-off last at Chelmsford in November, guaranteed his place at Wolverhampton should connections opt for a quick turn around.