The Weekend Winners team set the scene for a bustling Saturday at Newbury, focusing their attention on the headline Dubai Duty Free Handicap, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 2:47 p.m. Their preview highlighted the form, the weights and the tactical considerations that could shape the outcome of this competitive handicap race. Almekarem, who secured a victory in a 17‑runner handicap at Doncaster during the St Leger meeting, emerged as the market favourite at the time of writing.
Trained by Sir Mark Prescott, the bay colt carries a five‑pound penalty compared with his previous outing at Town Moor, reflecting the handicapper’s assessment of his recent improvement. Despite the added weight, the panel believes Almekarem possesses the necessary turn of foot and stamina to stay on the pace and finish strongly. Another contender drawing attention is Boyfriend, who has also been penalised by the handicapper after a series of encouraging performances.
The horse’s recent form suggests he could be a serious threat, particularly if the race unfolds at a solid, sustained tempo. Balzac, meanwhile, appears to have rediscovered his best self after being gelded; his runner‑up finish at Ascot earlier in the month indicated that the gelding process may have unlocked additional focus and power.
The partnership of Rossa Ryan and trainer Ralph Beckett will be represented by Gonna Fly, a horse that has shown consistency in previous handicaps and could benefit from a favourable draw. Jamie Spencer will take the reins on Stem, a horse that finished a credible third at Sandown on the final day of the previous meeting. Spencer’s confidence in Stem is evident, as he noted the colt’s ability to handle a variety of distances and his recent progression through the ranks.
One of the panelists offered a clear 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 pace, and I’m backing Almekarem after his impressive handicap win at Doncaster last week. The horse has plenty of gear, and his family line includes several triple‑digit‑rated siblings, which points to genuine class. He heads the market, but I feel he is on a rapid improvement curve and can take the beating after a solid performance last week.” Another voice added support for Stem, noting that the horse may have been overlooked by the betting public: “I’m with the Richard Hannon‑trained Stem, who I think is a little bit forgotten here.
He ran in the competitive Spring Mile at Newbury – where he ran well – and the form of that race has held up throughout the season. He’s now stepping up to ten furlongs after having been tried over eight and twelve furlongs this season. I think he has every chance of delivering his best effort, and at 8/1 he offers solid value.” The discussion also turned to the Irish contingent, with a particular nod to Merveilleux Lapin, a Polish Oaks winner trained by Owen Burrows. “I’m siding with a winner of the Polish Oaks – which isn’t something I say every day – in Merveilleux Lapin for Owen Burrows.
She has been largely consistent since joining the yard, though she hasn’t won yet. She bumped into some progressive types at Ascot last time, and although the Burrows stable form hasn’t been as strong as I hoped recently, they did produce a nice winner at Yarmouth the other day. At 16/1, she could be the value play for me.” Beyond the individual horses, the panel emphasized the importance of pace in a ten‑furlong handicap. They expect a brisk early tempo set by the front‑runners, which should string out the field and create opportunities for horses that can sit just off the pace before launching a late run.
Trainers such as Sir Mark Prescott and Richard Hannon are known for preparing horses that thrive under such conditions, and their entries are likely to benefit from a well‑timed ride. The Weekend Winners programme also reminded viewers to stay connected with the latest racing news, interviews and features via their mobile platforms, ensuring fans can keep up with real‑time updates from the track. The broadcast will be available in full on the At The Races YouTube channel, providing an accessible way for enthusiasts to watch the analysis and the race itself.
In summary, the consensus among the experts is that Almekarem stands out as the top choice, with a strong blend of recent form, pedigree and the ability to handle the added weight. Stem offers an attractive 8/1 proposition for those seeking a less‑tapped alternative, while Merveilleux Lapin presents a longer‑odds value bet for the daring punter.
As the field assembles at Newbury and the starting gates open, the Dubai Duty Free Handicap promises to deliver a thrilling contest that could see several surprise performances alongside the expected frontrunner. Racing fans are encouraged to tune in at 2:47 p.m. on Sky Sports Racing to witness the action live, and to follow the post‑race analysis for insights into how the handicap performed relative to the predictions. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual observer, the Weekend Winners preview provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of this high‑stakes handicap and making informed decisions at the track.