Thursday promises to be an exciting day of racing, with events from Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap at Ripon features top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style. Sixtygeesbaby, now part of the David O'Meara team, is set for his second start after transferring from Tom Clover's yard in March. Having shown promise in his seasonal debut at Doncaster, he is expected to perform better with increased fitness.
American Style, despite struggling towards the end of last season, has the potential to succeed if circumstances favor him, particularly as he returns to the site of his previous win. Modern Times, having been absent since his victory over this course and distance in June last year, is an intriguing contender who 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. Following a successful juvenile season with two wins from three starts, Storm Esme looks to commence her current season on a positive note. Top-rated Cotai Belle, who competed against Storm Esme in the Listed race at Redcar, faces a tougher challenge due to a 4lbs weight disadvantage and needs to recapture her early-season form to win. Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, including a win and a third-place finish, has the benefit of fitness and may perform well upon returning to turf.
Meanwhile, Sherborne seeks to achieve a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase at Hereford, following convincing wins at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, having finished poorly in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, takes a class drop and a significant reduction in distance, which might work in his favor. Black Hawk Eagle, with a 3lbs increase for his win at Chepstow, runs with a low weight and cannot be overlooked. The day's racing also includes an 0-85 handicap at Ripon and eight low-grade races from ParisLongchamp.