Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with live coverage from Hereford and Ripon on Sky Sports Racing. The highly-regarded Sixtygeesbaby and American Style are set to clash in the Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the beginning of Ripon's 2026 season. Having recently joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby will be making only his second start, following a respectable performance at Doncaster last month. American Style, meanwhile, is seeking to regain his winning form after struggling towards the end of last season.
He returns to the site of his previous victory, and a favorable outcome could see him back in the winner's circle. Modern Times is another intriguing contender, having not competed since winning at this course and distance in June of the previous year, and will receive a significant weight advantage over the top two contenders. The untested Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4-pound rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. After a successful juvenile campaign, which included two wins from three starts, Storm Esme is looking to start the new season on a strong note.
Cotai Belle, who finished two places ahead of Storm Esme in the Listed race at Redcar, will also be competing, although she will be at a 4-pound disadvantage. Wyle Cop has already seen action this season, with one win and a third-place finish on the All-Weather, and could perform well now that he's back on turf. Sherborne, meanwhile, will be taking a step up in class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase as he attempts to secure a hat-trick at Hereford.
Following convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot, Joe Tizzard's gelding is well-positioned to handle the rise in class. Insurrection will be dropping down a class after a disappointing performance at Cheltenham in March, and the reduced trip should work in his favor. Black Hawk Eagle, having won at Chepstow last time out, will be racing with a feather-weight and cannot be ruled out. The day's events will also include an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.