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 compete in the Armstrong Memorial Handicap, marking the start of Ripon's 2026 season. Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team after transferring from Tom Clover's yard, is making only his second start. Following a respectable performance at Doncaster last month, he is expected to be in better shape for this outing.
American Style has faced challenges in recent races, failing to secure a win towards the end of the previous season, but he possesses the necessary skills. A return to the scene of his last victory, over the same distance, may bring him the success he needs. Modern Times is an intriguing contender, having been absent since his win at this course and distance in June of the previous year, and receives a significant weight advantage over the top two contenders. It's difficult to rule him out.
For all the latest news, interviews, and features from the racing world, accessible on your phone. Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. The Valmont-owned filly begins her season after a promising juvenile campaign, which included two wins from three starts.
Her debut at Newcastle was a narrow victory, but she struggled in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, finishing 11th. However, she rebounded with a win at Leicester, demonstrating potential for further improvement. Cotai Belle, who finished two places ahead of Storm Esme in the Redcar Listed race, will be competing against her again, albeit with a 4lbs weight disadvantage.
To secure a win, she will need to recapture her early-season form. Wyle Cop has had two All-Weather starts this season, with one win and a third-place finish in a competitive sprint handicap at Southwell. Now returning to turf, his fitness could give him an edge.
For the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features, visit Sky Sports Racing. Sherborne is taking a step up in class in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, seeking to complete a hat-trick at Hereford. His first win came in mid-March at Exeter, where he dominated by 14 lengths, followed by an impressive victory at Ascot.
Given the convincing margins of these wins, it's possible that Joe Tizzard's gelding will handle the rise in class and secure another victory. Insurrection is dropping down a class after finishing poorly in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March. He is also reducing his trip significantly, but this move to less demanding competition should suit him better, and he could perform well.
Black Hawk Eagle has been raised 3lbs for his win at Chepstow and is competing with a relatively low weight, making him a contender not to be underestimated. The 4.16 Ripon event is a competitive 0-85 handicap. Eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp are also scheduled.