Sixtygeesbaby Tackles Ripon's Feature Event

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 start of Ripon's 2026 season. Having recently switched to the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby makes his second start, following a respectable performance at Doncaster last month. American Style, despite struggling to find his winning form 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 been seen since his win over this course and distance in June last year, is an intriguing contender who receives a significant weight advantage from the top two and shouldn't be ruled out. Meanwhile, the relatively untested Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. After a promising juvenile season, during which she won two out of three starts, Storm Esme looks to begin her current season on a positive note. Cotai Belle, who finished ahead of Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, renews their rivalry but is now 4lbs worse off and will need to recapture her early-season form to win. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts under his belt, including a win and a third place, has the advantage of fitness and could perform well now that he's back on turf. Sherborne, seeking a hat-trick, takes a step up in class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford. Following convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot, Joe Tizzard's gelding may handle this rise in class with ease. Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing finish in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, should be seen in a better light with this return to less demanding competition. Black Hawk Eagle, despite being up 3lbs after a win at Chepstow, cannot be overlooked due to his favorable weight. The day's racing also includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.