Sixtygeesbaby Leads the Charge in Ripon's Feature Event

Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with live coverage 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 a decent performance at Doncaster last month. American Style, despite struggling to find his winning form, has the potential to succeed if circumstances favor him, particularly as he returns to the scene of his previous victory. Modern Times, having not been seen since his win over this course and distance last June, is an intriguing contender and receives a significant weight advantage from the top two, making him hard to rule out. Storm Esme, an unexposed filly, aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Following a promising juvenile season, including wins at Newcastle and Leicester, Storm Esme looks to start her season on a positive note. Cotai Belle, who finished ahead of Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, reopposes but is 4lbs worse off and needs to recapture her early form to win. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, including a win, has fitness on his side and could perform well back on turf. Meanwhile, Sherborne seeks to complete a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, stepping up in class after emphatic wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, dropping in class and trip after a disappointing finish at Cheltenham, may find this more suitable, while Black Hawk Eagle, up 3lbs after a win at Chepstow, is not to be underestimated due to his light weight. The day also features an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp, focusing on lower-grade action.