Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with events from Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of Ripon's 2026 season opener is the Armstrong Memorial Handicap, featuring top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team after switching from Tom Clover's yard, is set for his second start and looks to build on a decent seasonal return at Doncaster. American Style, though struggling to find his winning form, has the potential and returns to the site of his last victory.
Modern Times, having not been seen since a win over this course and distance last June, 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, seeking a strong start to her season after a promising juvenile campaign.
Top-rated Cotai Belle and Storm Esme previously met in a Listed race at Redcar, and Cotai Belle now faces a tougher task at the weights. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, including a win, could perform well back on turf. Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne seeks a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, stepping up in class after dominant wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection takes a drop in class and trip after a disappointing outing at Cheltenham, potentially finding more favorable conditions.
Black Hawk Eagle, with a recent win at Chepstow and a light weight, is also in contention.