Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with live coverage from Hereford and Ripon on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap takes center stage on the opening day of Ripon's 2026 season, featuring top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style.
Sixtygeesbaby, now part of the David O'Meara team, is set for his second start since switching from Tom Clover's yard in March. Having shown promise in a recent Doncaster contest, he is expected to perform better in his second outing. American Style, although struggling to secure a win towards the end of last season, has the potential to excel if circumstances favor him.
He returns to the scene of his previous victory, which could work in his favor. Modern Times, having not been seen since winning at Ripon in June last year, is an intriguing contender with a significant weight advantage over the top two.
The untested Storm Esme aims to defy a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Following a successful juvenile season, Storm Esme looks to start the new season on a positive note. Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, will need to recapture her early form to overcome the weight disadvantage. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts under his belt, could perform well on his return to turf.
Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne seeks to complete a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase. His dominant wins at Exeter and Ascot suggest he may handle the rise in class with ease. Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing Cheltenham run, could fare better with a reduced trip.
Black Hawk Eagle, despite being up 3lbs after a recent Chepstow win, remains a contender due to his low weight. The day's action also includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.