Thursday promises to be an action-packed day with racing events from Hereford and Ripon, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly-regarded Sixtygeesbaby and American Style are set to compete in a fiercely competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the beginning of Ripon's 2026 season.
Sixtygeesbaby, now under the David O'Meara team after a switch from Tom Clover's yard in March, is making only his second start. Following a respectable performance on his seasonal return at Doncaster last month, he is expected to be in better form. American Style, despite struggling to secure a win towards the end of the previous season, has the potential to succeed and returns to the scene of his most recent victory, covering the same distance as before.
Modern Times, an intriguing contender, hasn't been seen since his win over this course and distance in June last year and receives a substantial weight advantage over the top two, making him difficult to overlook. For all the latest racing news, interviews, and features, download the Sky Sports Racing app. Storm Esme, relatively untested, aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap at Ripon.
After a successful juvenile campaign, winning two out of three starts, Storm Esme begins her new season. Top-rated Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Listed race at Redcar, will need to regain her early-season form to challenge for the win.
Wyle Cop, having had two All-Weather starts this season, including a win, has fitness on his side as he returns to turf racing. Meanwhile, Sherborne takes a step up in class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, seeking a hat-trick of wins. Following convincing victories at Exeter and Ascot, Sherborne is well-positioned to take this rise in class in stride.
Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing finish in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, is expected to perform better in this less demanding event. Black Hawk Eagle, having won at Chepstow and racing with a low weight, cannot be discounted. The day's events also include an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.