Thursday promises to be an exciting day for racing enthusiasts, with events from Hereford and Ripon broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highly anticipated Armstrong Memorial Handicap at Ripon's 2026 season opener features top contenders Sixtygeesbaby and American Style.
Having recently joined the David O'Meara team, Sixtygeesbaby is poised for his second start after a respectable performance at Doncaster last month. American Style, despite struggling to secure a win lately, has the potential to excel if circumstances favor him, particularly as he returns to the site of his previous victory. Modern Times, having been absent since his win over the same 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 an impressive juvenile season that included two wins from three starts. Cotai Belle, who finished ahead of Storm Esme in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, reenters the scene, albeit with a 4lbs weight disadvantage.
Wyle Cop, with two All-Weather starts this season, boasts fitness on his side as he transitions back to turf. Meanwhile, at Hereford, Sherborne seeks to achieve a hat-trick in the Keltruck Ltd Handicap Chase, having secured emphatic victories at Exeter and Ascot. Insurrection, dropping down in class after a disappointing finish at Cheltenham, may find solace in this less demanding contest. Black Hawk Eagle, with a recent win at Chepstow and a notably light weight, cannot be overlooked.