The Weekend Winners panel turned their attention to Saturday's card at Newbury, focusing on the Dubai Duty Free Handicap, which is scheduled for 14:47 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Almekarem arrives at the Berkshire track as the market leader for trainer Sir Mark Prescott following a commanding display in a 17-runner handicap at Doncaster's St Leger meeting. The gelding faces a 5lb penalty from the handicapper for that Town Moor success, yet remains the one to beat despite the weight increase.
Several other runners have also been penalised for recent encouraging performances. Boyfriend carries extra weight after his recent form, while Balzac appears to have regained confidence since being gelded, finishing second at Ascot earlier in the month.
The partnership of Rossa Ryan and Ralph Beckett saddles Gonna Fly, while Jamie Spencer is set to ride Stem, who will attempt to build on a promising third-place finish at Sandown.
According to Racing Post's racecard, Almekarem carries a handicap mark of 85 with Luke Morris in the saddle, while the same race features Stem under Jamie Spencer for trainer Richard Hannon. The Class 2 contest is run over 1m 2f on turf with prize money of £31,404 to the winner.
Declan Rix's Selection
Declan Rix outlined his reasoning for supporting the market leader, identifying the likely race dynamics as crucial to the outcome.
I think I know how this race is going to work out, even though there are plenty of runners lining up for this year's renewal. I think you need one that will settle behind this strong pace and I am going to side with Almekarem after he landed a nice handicap at Doncaster last week.
Rix highlighted the pedigree of Almekarem's family as a significant factor in his assessment.
The horse has got gears, with the family having plenty of progression with triple-digit-rated siblings. He heads the market, but I think he is on a rapid improve and can take the beating on the back of a good performance last week.
Kate Tracey's Fancy
Host Kate Tracey made the case for Stem, suggesting the Richard Hannon-trained runner had been overlooked in the betting.
I am with the Richard Hannon-trained Stem, who I think is a little bit forgotten about here. He ran in the competitive Spring Mile at Newbury - where he ran well and the form of that race has worked out throughout the season.
Tracey pointed to the horse's recent run at Sandown and the step up in trip as potential advantages.
He's running over 10 furlongs after being ran over eight [and 12] furlongs [so far this season]. I think he has every chance of running his race and at 8/1, I think he's a solid proposition at those odds.
Sam Boswell's Value Play
Sam Boswell identified an unconventional selection in Merveilleux Lapin, a winner of the Polish Oaks 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 without winning and I think she's a shade over priced here.
Boswell acknowledged recent mixed form from the Burrows stable but highlighted a recent success as a positive indicator.
She bumped into some progressive types at Ascot last time and although the Burrows stable form isn't as good as I was hoping recently, he did have a nice winner the other day at Yarmouth. At 16/1, she will probably be the value play for me.
What Happens Next
The Dubai Duty Free Handicap takes place on Saturday 19 September 2026 at Newbury. The field comprises 23 entries competing for the Class 2 prize over 1m 2f on turf, with the winner receiving £31,404.
