Sixtygeesbaby Heads Ripon Feature Lineup

Thursday's racing schedule is packed, with events from Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap at Ripon's season opener features top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now with the David O'Meara team, makes his second start after transferring from Tom Clover's yard in March. He showed promise in his recent Doncaster outing and is expected to perform better with more preparation. American Style, despite struggling to secure a win towards the end of last season, has the potential to succeed if circumstances favor him, especially since he returns to the site of his last victory. Modern Times, having not competed since his win at this course and distance in June last year, is an intriguing entry and receives a significant weight advantage over the top two contenders. The untested Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs increase in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap. Following a successful juvenile season with two wins out of three starts, Storm Esme looks to start this season on a high note. Top-rated Cotai Belle will rematch Storm Esme, having finished two positions ahead in their previous encounter at Redcar. However, Cotai Belle is now at a 4lbs disadvantage and must regain her early-season form to secure a win. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, including a win, has the advantage of being race-fit and could perform well on his return to turf. Sherborne seeks to achieve a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, stepping up in class after convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing finish in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, may find this easier and could go well. Black Hawk Eagle, with a recent win at Chepstow and a light weight, cannot be overlooked. The day also features an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight races from ParisLongchamp.