Lucky Loader’s’ NAP
3.15 Lingfield – San Francisco Bay (4/1)
San Francisco Bay hinted at a return to form last month when he finished second at Kempton on the all-weather. The five-year-old gelding has been dropping down the weights this summer, and he now finds himself back down to his last winning mark. There isn’t much pace on in here, and he’s got a nice draw in Stall 4 if they decide to go forward like they did last time. Henry Candy’s team has been a bit quiet this summer, but I think the son of Muhaarar can give him a winner here, in what looks like a weak race.
Lucky Loader’s Next Best
4.00 Ripon – King’s Merchant (9/4)
King’s Merchant is a sprinter who is progressing very well for Edward Bethell. The three-year-old gelding has won two of his last three starts and was a game performer when holding on to win at Doncaster. He is up 3lb, but he’s taking on his elders here, and he gets the three-year-old allowance which is like gold dust. With a good draw in Stall 6, Callum Rodriguez might decide to go forward and use the stands side rail to good effect. I think he is the one they’ve got to beat this afternoon at the garden racecourse.
Lucky Loader’s Longshot
5.50 Carlisle – Sam Sarphati EW (11/1)
Sam Sarphati has improved since going up in trip to 2m. Back in June he won well at Pontefract when having his first go at the trip, and he appeared to relish the stiff finish. Last time out he wasn’t beaten far on soft ground at Catterick behind Achamara, who reopposes here. However the selection is now 9lb better from their latest meeting and that could make a big difference this time around. The ground and course should suit and I can see him going well at a nice price.