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 Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the start of Ripon's 2026 season.

Having recently joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby will be making only 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 shape for this outing. 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 excel if circumstances favor him, particularly as he returns to the scene of his last victory. Modern Times is another intriguing 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 contenders, making him a strong candidate. Storm Esme, meanwhile, aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap.

After winning two out of three starts as a juvenile, the Valmont-owned filly looks to begin her season on a positive note. Top-rated Cotai Belle will be reopposing Storm Esme, having finished two places ahead of her in the Listed race at Redcar. However, she will need to rediscover her early form to overcome the 4lbs disadvantage at the weights. Wyle Cop has had two All-Weather starts this season, securing a win and a third-place finish, and could perform well now that he's back on turf.

Sherborne is taking a step up in class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, seeking to complete a hat-trick at Hereford. Following convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot, Joe Tizzard's gelding may be able to handle the rise in class. Insurrection takes a drop in class after a disappointing finish in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March, and this return to less demanding competition could work in his favor. Black Hawk Eagle has been raised 3lbs after his win at Chepstow and, given his low weight, cannot be ruled out.

The day's action also includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.