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 compete in the Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the start of Ripon's 2026 season.
Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team after switching from Tom Clover's yard, is making only his second start and is expected to perform better after a decent showing at Doncaster last month. American Style, despite struggling to secure a win, has the potential and returns to the scene of his previous victory. Modern Times, having not been seen since winning at this course and distance in June last year, is an intriguing contender and receives a significant weight advantage from the top two.
The untested Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Following a successful juvenile season, Storm Esme begins her new campaign, having won two out of three starts. Top-rated Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy, will need to regain her early form to succeed.
Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, has fitness on his side and could perform well on his return to turf. Meanwhile, Sherborne seeks to complete a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, stepping up in class after convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot.
Insurrection, dropping down in class, and Black Hawk Eagle, who won at Chepstow last time out, are also contenders. The day's racing includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade events from ParisLongchamp.