Thursday promises to be an action-packed day of racing, with events from Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap at Ripon's season opener features a strong lineup, including top-rated contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now part of the David O'Meara team, is set to make his second start since switching from Tom Clover's yard in March. Following a respectable performance at Doncaster last month, he is expected to be in better form.
American Style, despite struggling to secure a win towards the end of the previous season, possesses the talent to succeed and returns to the scene of his last victory. Modern Times is another intriguing contender, having not competed since his win over this course and distance in June last year, and receives a significant weight advantage over the top two. The untested Storm Esme aims to overcome a 4lbs rise in the Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap.
After a successful juvenile season, Storm Esme begins her new campaign, having won two out of three starts, including a debut win at Newcastle and a subsequent victory at Leicester. Cotai Belle, who finished ahead of Storm Esme in the Listed race at Redcar, will need to regain her early-season form to contend. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, including a win, may perform well upon returning to turf. Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne seeks to complete a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, stepping up in class after convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot.
Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing finish at Cheltenham, may fare better with this change. Black Hawk Eagle, having won at Chepstow and carrying a low weight, cannot be overlooked.