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 joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby is making only his second start and is expected to improve upon his decent performance at Doncaster last month. American Style, meanwhile, is seeking to regain his winning form after a disappointing end to the previous season. He returns to the site of his most recent victory, covering the same distance as his first win of the season.
Modern Times is another contender to watch, having not competed since his win over this course and distance in June of last year, and receiving a significant weight advantage over the top two contenders. It's also worth noting that the unexposed Storm Esme will attempt to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Following a promising juvenile season, which included two wins from three starts, Storm Esme is looking to begin her current campaign on a strong note.
Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, will also be participating in the event, although she will be at a 4lbs disadvantage due to the weight adjustments. Wyle Cop, having already had two All-Weather starts this season, including a win, will be making his turf debut and could pose a threat. Sherborne, meanwhile, will be competing in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, seeking to achieve a hat-trick of victories.
His previous two wins, at Exeter and Ascot, were impressive, and it's possible that Joe Tizzard's gelding will handle the rise in class with ease. Insurrection will be dropping down a class after a lackluster performance in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, and the reduced trip should work in his favor.
Black Hawk Eagle, having won at Chepstow and carrying a low weight, cannot be overlooked. The day will also feature an 0-85 handicap at Ripon, as well as eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.