Sixtygeesbaby Leads the Charge in Ripon's Featured Event

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's 2026 season opener features top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team, is set for his second start after switching yards in March. He showed promise in his seasonal debut at Doncaster last month and is expected to improve. American Style, despite struggling to find his winning form towards the end of last season, has the potential to excel if circumstances fall in his favor. He returns to the scene of his previous victory, over the same distance. Modern Times, having not been seen since winning at this course and distance in June last year, is an intriguing contender with a significant weight advantage over the top two. The unexposed Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. After a successful juvenile season, Storm Esme looks to start the new season on a high note. Top-rated Cotai Belle, who previously competed against Storm Esme, will need to recapture her early form to succeed. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, has fitness on his side and could perform well on his return to turf. Meanwhile, Sherborne seeks to complete a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford. Following convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot, Sherborne is poised to take on the rise in class. Insurrection, dropping in class after a challenging outing at Cheltenham, should find this event more suitable. Black Hawk Eagle, with a recent win at Chepstow and a favorable weight, cannot be overlooked.