Thursday promises to be an exciting 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 compete in the Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the start of Ripon's 2026 season. Having recently joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby will be making only his second start.
He performed admirably in his seasonal debut at Doncaster last month and is expected to be in better form this time around. American Style, on the other hand, has struggled to find his winning touch, particularly towards the end of the previous season. However, he has the potential to succeed and will be racing on the same track where he achieved his most recent victory. Modern Times is another contender worth considering, having not been seen since his win over this course and distance in June of last year.
He will be receiving a significant amount of weight from the top two competitors, making him a difficult opponent to rule out. For all the latest racing news, interviews, and features, download our app to stay up-to-date on your phone. Storm Esme, a relatively untested filly, will attempt to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Following a successful juvenile season, which included two wins from three starts, Storm Esme will be looking to begin her current season on a positive note.
Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, will also be participating in this event. Although Cotai Belle finished two places ahead of Storm Esme in their previous meeting, she will be at a 4lbs disadvantage in terms of weight. Wyle Cop, having already started his season with two All-Weather appearances, will be returning to the turf and could potentially perform well. Sherborne will be taking a step up in class as he attempts to secure a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford.
His previous two victories, which came at Exeter and Ascot, were both impressive, and it is possible that he will be able to handle this increase in class. Insurrection will be dropping down a class after a disappointing finish in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March. This decrease in class, combined with a shorter trip, may allow him to perform better.
Black Hawk Eagle, having won his last event at Chepstow, will be competing with a 3lbs increase and a relatively low weight, making him a contender who should not be overlooked. The day's events will also include an 0-85 handicap at Ripon, as well as eight races from ParisLongchamp, featuring lower-grade action.