Thursday promises to be an exciting day for racing enthusiasts, with live coverage from Hereford and Ripon on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of the day is the Armstrong Memorial Handicap, where top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style are set to clash.
Sixtygeesbaby, now part of the David O'Meara team, is looking to build on his decent 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 everything falls into place, particularly as he returns to the scene of his last victory. Modern Times, having not been seen since his win over this course and distance in June last year, poses an interesting challenge, benefiting from a significant weight advantage over the top two.
The unexposed Storm Esme aims to defy a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap, seeking to start her season on a high note after a promising juvenile campaign. Cotai Belle, who reopposes Storm Esme, needs to recapture her early form to make an impact.
Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, could perform well now that he's back on turf. Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne seeks to complete a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, stepping up in class after emphatic wins at Exeter and Ascot.
Insurrection, dropping in class and significantly in trip, could find this race more to his liking. Black Hawk Eagle, with a recent win at Chepstow and a light weight, cannot be overlooked.
The day also features an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp, adding to the excitement.