Lucky Loader’s NAP
3.40 Thirsk – Abate (6/1)
I quite like the chances of Abate at Thirsk this afternoon. He’s a horse who is starting to become well-handicapped, and he is only 1lb below his last winning mark. Though his last effort at Yarmouth was a little bit disappointing, some of his earlier runs this season give him a great chance. The nine-year-old gelding has only one way of running by going to the front and trying to make the running. Thirsk is a track that has suited front runners this season, and there doesn’t seem to be much pace on this race, so he could get a solo. With Mia Nicholls claiming a handy 5lb, and the drop back down to 5f, I think he’ll take some stopping.
Lucky Loader’s NB
4.00 Brighton – Watchya EW (15/2)
Watchya has been keeping better company than this, and his close second at Epsom two starts ago gives him a right chance here. He hasn’t won for quite a while, but he has shown on several occasions that he has ability. His trainer George Baker has been in excellent form this summer, and he won the Stewards Cup at Glorious Goodwood last weekend. He’s become a bit of a target trainer in recent years, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this has been the plan for Watchya.
Lucky Loader’s Longshot
8.32 Haydock – Capital Guarantee EW (14/1)
Capital Guarantee hinted that he might be returning to a bit of form when he made late headway to finish fifth at Beverley last month. Things haven’t gone his way this season, but as a result, he finds himself 3lb below his last winning mark. This race is a drop in grade, so he could be suited by returning to Class 5 company. Moreover, Mark Winn is booked for the ride, and he’ll claim 3lb, which could play a big part. I can see the four-year-old gelding taking a step forward from his recent run and taking part in the finish here.
