Sixtygeesbaby Leads the Charge in Ripon's Featured Event

Thursday's racing schedule is packed with action from Hereford and Ripon, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap at Ripon's season opener features top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team, is set for his second start since switching from Tom Clover's yard in March. Following a respectable performance at Doncaster last month, he is expected to be in better form. American Style, despite struggling to secure a win towards the end of last season, has the potential to succeed if circumstances favor him, particularly as he returns to the site of his previous victory. Modern Times, having not competed since winning at this course and distance in June last year, poses an interesting challenge, benefiting from a significant weight advantage over the top two contenders. It's also worth noting that the unexposed Storm Esme seeks to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. After a successful juvenile season, including wins at Newcastle and Leicester, Storm Esme aims to start the new season on a high note. Top-rated Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Listed race at Redcar, will need to regain her early-season form to have a chance at winning, now 4lbs worse off at the weights. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, including a win, could perform well now that he's back on turf. Meanwhile, Sherborne is set to take on a higher class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, seeking to complete a hat-trick after dominant wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, dropping down a class after a disappointing finish at Cheltenham, and Black Hawk Eagle, who won at Chepstow and is racing on a low weight, are also strong contenders. The day concludes with an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp, rounding off a day of exciting racing action.