Sixtygeesbaby Leads the Charge in Ripon's Featured Event

Thursday brings a packed schedule of racing action from Hereford and Ripon, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly-regarded Sixtygeesbaby and American Style are set to clash in a competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the beginning of Ripon's 2026 season. Having recently joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby makes his second start after a respectable performance at Doncaster last month, which should have him in better shape for this outing. American Style, on the other hand, has faced challenges in securing a win lately but possesses the talent to succeed if circumstances favor him, particularly as he returns to the site of his previous victory over the same distance. Modern Times presents an intriguing case, having not competed since claiming victory over this course and distance back in June of last year, and benefits from a significant weight advantage over the top contenders, making him difficult to overlook. For all the latest updates, news, interviews, and features from the racing world, accessible on your mobile device. The promising Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the weights as she competes in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap at Ripon. Following a successful juvenile season with two wins out of three starts, Storm Esme begins her new campaign, having won at Newcastle and Leicester, with the latter victory showcasing her potential for further growth. Cotai Belle, who finished ahead of Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, re-enters the scene, although she faces a tougher weight adjustment and needs to recapture her early-season form to secure a win. Wyle Cop, with recent experience on the All-Weather, winning and placing third in a competitive sprint at Southwell, has the advantage of being race-fit and could perform well in his return to turf racing. For the latest news, interviews, and features from Sky Sports Racing, tune in for comprehensive coverage. Sherborne seeks to extend his winning streak to three in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, stepping up in class. His previous victories at Exeter and Ascot, both by significant margins, suggest that Joe Tizzard's gelding might handle this class rise with ease. Insurrection, dropping down in class after a less successful outing in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, also sees a reduction in distance, which could work in his favor as he seeks to regain his form in less demanding conditions. Black Hawk Eagle, with a recent win at Chepstow and carrying a light weight, cannot be underestimated. The day's action also includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp, focusing on lower-grade competition.