Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with events from Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of Ripon's opening day is the Armstrong Memorial Handicap, featuring top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style.
Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team, showed promise in his seasonal debut at Doncaster and is expected to improve. American Style, despite struggling recently, has the potential to shine if conditions favor him, particularly as he returns to the site of his last victory. Modern Times, having been off the scene since winning at Ripon last June, is an intriguing entry, benefiting from a significant weight advantage over the favorites.
For the latest in racing news, interviews, and features, stay connected. Meanwhile, Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. After a successful juvenile season, including wins at Newcastle and Leicester, Storm Esme looks to start strong. Cotai Belle, who finished ahead of Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy, reappears with a 4lbs disadvantage and needs to recapture early-season form.
Wyle Cop, fit from All-Weather starts, could perform well back on turf. In other news, Sherborne seeks a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, stepping up in class after convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection drops in class after a Cheltenham outing and may find this more to his liking, while Black Hawk Eagle, despite a 3lbs rise, is lightly weighted and shouldn't be overlooked.
The day also includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp.