Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with live action from Hereford and Ripon on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap at Ripon features top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team, showed promise in his recent Doncaster debut and is expected to perform better in his second start. American Style, despite struggling towards the end of last season, has the potential to win if circumstances favor him, particularly as he returns to the site of his previous victory.
Modern Times, having not raced since his win at Ripon last June, poses an interesting challenge with a significant weight advantage over the top contenders. The untested Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap, following a successful juvenile season with wins at Newcastle and Leicester. Top-rated Cotai Belle, who previously competed against Storm Esme, will need to regain her early-season form to succeed. Wyle Cop, with recent All-Weather experience, could perform well now that he's back on turf.
At Hereford, Sherborne seeks to achieve a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, stepping up in class after convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, dropping in class after a Cheltenham appearance, may find this race more suitable, while Black Hawk Eagle, with a recent win at Chepstow, cannot be overlooked due to his light weight.