Barry Hill's Lucky63 Racing Tips
4 minutes Barry Hill's Lucky63 Tips come from Catterick, Nottingham, Taunton and Leopardstown
1:48 Leopardstown
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden
BUTTERFLY WINGS - 6/4
Riding arrangements hint that BUTTERFLY WINGS is the pick of Aidan O’Brien’s trio, and she’s certainly one to be interested in. The daughter of Justify shaped with plenty of promise on both her starts over a mile last season and looks sure to take another step forward now upped in trip. Takemetothemoon also brings solid form to the table from her juvenile efforts and cannot be overlooked, while Tswalu didn’t get the clearest of runs on debut at Cork and is entitled to come on a bundle for that experience. Of the newcomers, Catalina Delcarpio catches the eye as a 400,000-guineas yearling by Lope De Vega, and Etawa, a daughter of Kingman with a stamina-laden pedigree, is another fascinating contender to keep firmly onside.
2:43 Catterick
UNITL DAWN - 10/3
Alan Brown’s UNITL DAWN has taken notable strides forward on the all-weather since undergoing wind surgery, and I’m keen to chance her transferring that improvement to turf in the Raceday Ready Handicap over five furlongs at Catterick. A winner at both Newcastle and Southwell earlier in the year, she ran another cracking race at Southwell last time off her revised mark, just getting caught late on after racing a touch keenly in front as Blinky capitalised. She’s well drawn to grab a handy position now switching back to the grass, and the fitness she’s built up through her all-weather campaign should stand her in excellent stead today.
3:25 Taunton
TARANTINO - 3/1
Joe Tickle’s TARANTINO looks ready to strike after an encouraging third, beaten just two and a half lengths by Mr Zee over course and distance recently, and he gets the nod in what looks a competitive handicap. The five-year-old really caught the eye of the Timeform reporters that day, having been ridden far more prominently than usual. With the likes of Phoenix Risen likely to ensure a strong pace to aim at this time, Taritino — already a four-time winner on the Flat is fancied to finally open his account over hurdles.
4:05 Nottingham
Beer Festival 12th April Handicap (Div II)
DUKE ORSINO - 9/2
Eve Johnson Houghton knows exactly how to ready one for a handicap debut, and she looks poised to strike again with DUKE ORSINO in this 1m contest. The trainer has landed victories with her last two runners making their first handicap appearances, most recently when Kamekist obliged at Wolverhampton just last week much to the delight of this column.
Duke Orsino boasts a similar profile, having had three quiet educational runs in maidens and novices, the latest when shaping well in fourth at Kempton in December. He wasn’t given a hard time there and, with his strong physique and smart pedigree, he looks more than capable of leaving an opening mark of 66 well behind.
4:45 Catterick
KISSKODI - 6/5
Harry Eustace’s KISSKODI was well supported on his handicap debut last time out and only narrowly denied, suggesting there's plenty more to come. He’s entitled to sharpen up for that reappearance and, now dropping into this lowly grade, looks primed to build on the promise he showed. With improvement on the cards, Kisskodi could well have a fair bit up his sleeve.
5:05 Nottingham
Pete Bennett's Memorial Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
GENTLE WARRIOR - 10/1
GENTLE WARRIOR made a striking impression when bolting up by nine and a half lengths over course and distance last time out, and he looks a horse with plenty more to offer now he’s proven at the trip. The handicapper has had his say with a 9lb rise, but Gentle Warrior remains lightly raced and there’s every chance he can progress further.
