Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with events from Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly-regarded Sixtygeesbaby and American Style are set to clash in the competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the beginning of Ripon's 2026 season. Following his transfer from Tom Clover's yard to David O'Meara's team in March, Sixtygeesbaby will make his second start.
He demonstrated promising form in his seasonal debut at Doncaster last month and is expected to perform better with this run under his belt. American Style, on the other hand, has struggled to regain his winning form after a disappointing end to the previous season. However, he has the potential to succeed and returns to the site of his most recent victory, racing over the same distance.
Modern Times is another noteworthy contender, having not competed since his win over this course and distance in June last year. He receives a significant weight advantage over the top two competitors, making him a strong challenger. The untested Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap.
After winning two out of three races as a juvenile, Storm Esme begins her season, having previously debuted at Newcastle and won, before finishing 11th in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar. Top-rated Cotai Belle will reface Storm Esme, having finished two places ahead of her in the same Listed race at Redcar.
However, Cotai Belle is now 4lbs worse off and needs to regain her early-season form to secure a win. Wyle Cop has had two All-Weather starts this season, winning and finishing third in a warm sprint handicap at Southwell, and could perform well now that he's back on turf. Meanwhile, Sherborne attempts to complete a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford.
His first win came in mid-March at Exeter, followed by an impressive victory at Ascot. Given his substantial winning margins, Joe Tizzard's gelding may be able to handle the rise in class.
Insurrection takes a drop in class after finishing down the field in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and also sees a significant reduction in trip, which could work in his favor. Black Hawk Eagle, having won at Chepstow last time out, is up 3lbs but carries a light weight, making him a contender. The day's schedule includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp, featuring low-grade action.