The Weekend Winners team set the scene for a bustling Saturday at Newbury, focusing their attention on the headline event of the day – the Dubai Duty Free Handicap, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 2:47 p.m. This race, a key fixture in the weekend’s programme, attracted considerable interest from punters and racing enthusiasts alike, and the panel offered a thorough preview that blended analysis, form insights, and a few bold predictions.
Almekarem, the standout of the morning’s discussion, arrived at Newbury riding a wave of confidence after a dominant performance in a 17‑runner handicap at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting. Trained by Sir Mark Prescott, the bay colt was the market favourite at the time the commentary was recorded, even though the official handicapper had imposed a five‑pound increase to his weight compared with his last outing at Town Moor. The panel argued that the extra weight should not deter backers, noting that Almekarem had demonstrated a genuine turn of foot and an ability to handle a strong pace – qualities that are essential in a race of this nature.
Other horses mentioned in the preview included Boyfriend, who had also suffered a penalty from the handicapper after a series of impressive recent runs. The panel suggested that despite the weight penalty, Boyfriend’s recent form could still make him a serious contender. Balzac was highlighted as a horse that appeared to have rediscovered his best form after being gelded; he had shown promise by finishing a close second at Ascot earlier in the month, indicating that the gelding operation might have helped sharpen his focus and improve his stamina. The jockey‑trainer combinations were also dissected.
Rossa Ryan and Ralph Beckett were set to join forces on Gonna Fly, a partnership that the panel believed could be fruitful given Ryan’s tactical acumen and Beckett’s knack for getting the best out of his mounts over middle distances. Meanwhile, veteran trainer Jamie Spencer entered the field with Stem, a horse that had finished a credible third at Sandown on the final day of the previous meeting. Spencer’s confidence in Stem was evident, and he expected the horse to build on that performance, especially now that the distance had been stretched to ten furlongs – a step up from the eight and twelve‑furlong trips Stem had tackled earlier in the season. One of the panelists offered a clear, concise prediction: “I think I know how this race is going to play out, even though there are plenty of runners lining up for this year’s renewal.
You need a horse that can settle behind a strong early pace, and I am backing Almekarem after his impressive handicap win at Doncaster last week.” He went on to praise the colt’s pedigree, noting that the family boasts several high‑rated siblings with triple‑digit official ratings, suggesting that Almekarem possesses both the genetic potential and the recent form to handle the pressure of a higher weight. The same commentator also highlighted Stem, describing him as “a little bit forgotten about here.” He pointed out that Stem had contested the competitive Spring Mile at Newbury, delivering a solid performance that, in hindsight, has been validated by the subsequent form of the race’s other participants. The panelist argued that Stem’s versatility over varying distances – having raced over eight, ten and twelve furlongs this season – makes him a credible option at odds of 8/1, presenting a “solid proposition” for bettors seeking value. In addition to the main contenders, the panel touched on a more exotic pick: Merveilleux Lapin, a Polish Oaks winner trained by Owen Burrows.
While not a typical selection for a UK handicap, the commentator felt that the filly’s consistency since joining the Burrows yard, coupled with a respectable run at Ascot where she faced progressively improving rivals, warranted a look. Despite a recent dip in the stable’s overall form, Burrows had secured a victory at Yarmouth, suggesting that the trainer still possessed the ability to produce winners.
At 16/1, Merveilleux Lapin was presented as a potential value play for those willing to gamble on an outsider. The discussion concluded with a reminder to fans that the full Weekend Winners programme could be streamed on the At The Races YouTube channel, and that Sky Sports Racing continues to provide up‑to‑date racing news, interviews and feature stories across all platforms.
The panel’s analysis underscored the importance of evaluating weight changes, recent form, distance suitability, and pedigree when assessing handicap races, especially in a competitive environment like Newbury where a strong early pace often dictates the outcome. Whether Almekarem’s market‑leading odds hold true or an under‑dog such as Stem or Merveilleux Lapin pulls off an upset, the Dubai Duty Free Handicap promised an exciting showcase of talent and tactical racing for viewers and punters alike.