Brook Can End Barren Run

Today's meeting at York is a hugely competitive one, and not one where bankers are easy to find, but it may be the day that the perennially-unlucky Barren Brook finally gets the reward for recent efforts. Runner-up behind handicap blot Chancery over C&D in July, he looked sure to win before long (a notion bolstered by the winner absolutely bolting up at this track last time from a 9 lb higher mark), but things simply haven't gone his way since.

Barren Brook has raced three times since that creditable defeat, and every time he has met trouble in running, with his latest run at Ripon particularly frustrating, as he was the last horse off the bridle, but found himself pocketed for the entire length of the straight. Despite looking an unlucky loser, the assessor has actually dropped Barren Brook in the weights, and he looks on a very favourable mark. The likely strong pace will suit this patiently-ridden type, and while there are several obvious dangers, few look as well handicapped.

If the pace in that contest looks strong, it's nothing compared to the 2m handicap at 16:05, which is chock-a-block with front runners. Such a scenario looks sure to play into the hands of a strong-travelling hold-up sort, and the one who jumps off the page is Recession Proof. The selection has been on the sidelines since finishing an excellent fifth in the 2011 Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, a race widely regarded as the strongest novice hurdle form in many a long year, with the quartet in front all superstars in their own right. Recession Proof had previously won the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, yet can race off a lowly Flat mark of 82 on his return.

Given his history of injury, there's always an element of risk, but at the same time, trainers of such horses can't afford to bring them back half-fit, and he's likely to be well enough forward to give a good account. The bottom line, once again, is that he's far to well treated to ignore in a race which is sure to be run to suit his style.

Final bet of the day is old favourite Lancelot du Lac, who did us a favour when winning at a big price here in May. That came with ease in the ground over 7f, but this keen goer showed himself better suited by a drop to 6f when scoring impressively at Newmarket last time. That win opens up new avenues for Dean Ivory's Shamardal colt, and he looks one to follow at sprint trips.

Recommendations:

All at York

Back Barren Brook @ [11.0] in the 15:35 (NAP)

Back Recession Proof @ [16.5] in the 16:05 (NB)

Back Lancelot du Lac @ [5.5] in the 16:40