The Weekend Winners team set the scene for a packed Saturday at Newbury by focusing on the headline event, the Dubai Duty Free Handicap, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 2:47 p.m. This race, a key fixture in the weekend’s programme, attracted a strong field and sparked lively discussion among the panel of experts. Almekarem emerged as the clear favourite in the betting market at the time of writing. The horse, trained by Sir Mark Prescott, had just secured a victory in a 17‑runner handicap at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting, a performance that propelled him to the top of the odds despite carrying an additional five pounds compared to his previous outing at Town Moor.
The panel highlighted Almekarem’s recent form and the confidence that his connections have in his ability to handle the step up in weight. Another contender drawing attention was Boyfriend, who has also been penalised by the handicapper after a series of impressive runs.
The weight increase reflects his recent successes and adds an extra layer of intrigue to his chances. Balzac, meanwhile, appeared to have rediscovered his best form after being gelded; he finished second at Ascot earlier in the month and showed a renewed vigor that could make him a serious threat in the Newbury contest.
The race also featured a promising partnership between jockey Rossa Ryan and trainer Ralph Beckett on Gonna Fly. The duo has been working closely together, and the panel believes the combination could produce a strong finish. Jamie Spencer took the reins on Stem, a horse that posted a solid third‑place finish at Sandown on the previous day.
Spencer’s experience and Stem’s recent improvement were cited as reasons to keep an eye on this entry. One of the panelists offered a detailed tactical outlook: “I think I know how this race is going to unfold, even though there are plenty of runners lining up for this year’s renewal. The key will be to settle a horse behind a strong early pace, and I’m leaning heavily towards Almekarem after his impressive handicap win at Doncaster last week.” The commentator went on to praise Almekarem’s pedigree, noting that the family boasts several high‑rated siblings and that the horse appears to be on a rapid improvement curve. “He has the gears to accelerate when needed, and his recent performance suggests he can handle the added weight without losing his finishing kick.” In contrast, another expert championed Stem, trained by Richard Hannon, as a potentially overlooked contender.
“Stem ran well in the competitive Spring Mile at Newbury, and the form from that race has held up nicely throughout the season,” the analyst said. “He’s now stepping up to 10 furlongs after having contested distances of eight and twelve furlongs earlier in the season. At 8/1, I think he offers solid value and could be the horse to watch if the pace suits him.” The discussion also turned to the long‑shot selections, with a particular focus on Merveilleux Lapin, a Polish Oaks winner trained by Owen Burrows.
The panelist admitted that backing a classic winner is not a daily occurrence, but pointed out the mare’s consistency since joining the Burrows yard. “She’s been placing regularly, though she hasn’t secured a win yet, and I think the market has over‑valued her at 16/1. She ran well at Ascot against progressive types, and while the recent form from the Burrows stable hasn’t been spectacular, they did produce a nice winner at Yarmouth not long ago.
For me, she represents a value play at those odds.” Beyond the race analysis, the panel reminded listeners to stay connected with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring fans never miss a beat. They also promoted the full Weekend Winners broadcast, which is available on the At The Races YouTube channel for those who prefer to watch on demand.
In summary, the Dubai Duty Free Handicap at Newbury promises a thrilling contest with Almekarem leading the market, backed by strong recent form and a pedigree that suggests further improvement. However, the panel also highlighted several other intriguing possibilities, including the seasoned Stem, the rejuvenated Balzac, and the value‑rich Merveilleux Lapin.
As the race approaches, bettors and enthusiasts alike will be weighing the tactical nuances, weight assignments, and recent performances to decide where to place their confidence. The excitement builds as the field lines up, and the outcome will undoubtedly add another chapter to the rich tapestry of British handicap racing.