Thursday promises an action-packed day of racing, 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 beginning of Ripon's 2026 season. Having recently joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby makes his second start after a respectable performance at Doncaster last month, where he wasn't far off the pace. Expected to be in better shape this time around, he's a strong contender.
American Style, on the other hand, has struggled to find his winning form towards the end of last season but possesses the talent to succeed. He returns to the scene of his last victory, covering the same distance as his first win of the previous season. Modern Times, having not competed since his win at this course and distance in June last year, is an intriguing participant who receives a significant weight advantage over the top contenders.
It's challenging to rule him out of contention. Storm Esme, relatively untested, aims to defy a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap.
Following a promising juvenile season where she won two out of three starts, Storm Esme looks to kick-start her current campaign on a positive note. Top-rated Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in a Listed race at Redcar, will need to recapture her early-season form to overcome the weight disadvantage and secure a win on her return. Wyle Cop, having demonstrated his fitness with two All-Weather starts this season, could perform well now that he's back on turf.
Sherborne is set to take a step up in class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, seeking to complete a hat-trick of victories at Hereford. After dominating his previous two races at Exeter and Ascot, Joe Tizzard's gelding may be capable of handling the increase in class.
Insurrection, dropping down a class after a disappointing finish at Cheltenham, should benefit from the return to less demanding competition and could put in a strong performance. Black Hawk Eagle, despite being up 3lbs after his last win at Chepstow, cannot be overlooked due to his favorable weight. The day's schedule includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp, focusing on lower-grade action.