Sixtygeesbaby Challenges for Ripon Feature Victory

Thursday's racing action is set to be exciting, with events from Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly-regarded Sixtygeesbaby and American Style are among the contenders in the competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the beginning of Ripon's 2026 season. Having recently joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby will be making only his second start, following a respectable performance at Doncaster last month. American Style, meanwhile, seeks to regain his winning form, having struggled towards the end of the previous season. Modern Times, returning after a lengthy absence, and the unexposed Storm Esme, who faces a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap, are also noteworthy competitors. The latter will be looking to build on a promising juvenile season, which included two wins from three starts. Top-rated Cotai Belle and Wyle Cop are among Storm Esme's opponents, with the former aiming to recapture her early-season form and the latter benefiting from recent All-Weather experience. At Hereford, Sherborne targets a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, stepping up in class after decisive victories at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, dropping down in class, and Black Hawk Eagle, racing off a low weight, are also strong contenders in this event.