1. A method for processing a sequence of load instructions in a computer system comprising the steps of: providing said sequence of load instructions to a processor for returning a value for each of said instructions from a memory; determining whether any of said instructions possesses a particular characteristic and if so; retiring said instructions before a corresponding value is returned; employing a predicted value for said retired instruction; generating a checkpoint to facilitate return to a point in said sequence where said retired instruction was to be processed; continuing to process additional instructions in said sequence; when a true value is actually returned for said retired instruction, comparing said true result to said predicted value; if said values do not match, employing said checkpoint to restart said process at said checkpoint using the true value of said instruction; and if said values do match, continuing to process additional instructions in said sequence.