Sixtygeesbaby Seeks Victory in Ripon 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 features top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team, is set for his second start after a recent switch from Tom Clover's yard. He showed promise in his seasonal debut at Doncaster, finishing close behind the leaders, and is expected to perform better in this outing. American Style, despite struggling to secure a win towards the end of last season, has the potential to excel if circumstances favor him. He returns to the scene of his previous victory, racing over the same distance. Modern Times, having not competed since winning at this course and distance in June last year, is an intriguing contender who receives a significant weight advantage over the top two runners. The untested Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Following a successful juvenile season, with two wins from three starts, Storm Esme looks to begin her current season on a high note. Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, will need to regain her early-season form to challenge for the top spot. Wyle Cop, having already started his season with two All-Weather appearances, including a win, has the benefit of being race-fit and could perform well in his return to turf racing. Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne seeks to complete a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, stepping up in class after dominant wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, dropping down in class and distance, is expected to fare better in this less demanding competition. Black Hawk Eagle, having won at Chepstow and racing with a low weight, cannot be overlooked. The day's events also include an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp, featuring lower-grade action.