Show Notes
The first major weekend of the 2026/27 National Hunt season is here, with Grade 1 stars returning at Down Royal, the prestigious Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, and competitive handicap action at Ascot.
Emmet Kennedy is joined by Andy Newton, George Gorman and Jaime Wrenn on the Final Furlong Podcast to preview 11 races across three meetings, assess the leading contenders and identify the strongest betting opportunities.
The panel have some strong opinions, including a 17/2 NAP, a 15/2 selection supported by three members of the team, and an 18/1 outsider who could be underestimated on handicap debut at Ascot.
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DOWN ROYAL | GRADE 1 CHAMPION CHASE SHOWDOWN
15:15 | REMEMBERING ENVOI ALLEN CHAMPION CHASE (GRADE 1, 3M)
One of the strongest early-season clashes of the National Hunt campaign.
Heart Wood, Romeo Coolio, Affordale Fury, Banbridge, Fleur In The Park and Haiti Couleurs feature in a fascinating Grade 1 contest.
With established stars facing emerging championship contenders, which horse will make the biggest statement ahead of the major winter prizes?
15:50 | RACING POST CHASE (GRADE 2, 2M3½F)
Another important graded contest completes our Down Royal preview, with the panel examining the leading contenders and potential improvers.
WETHERBY | CHARLIE HALL CHASE & WEST YORKSHIRE HURDLE
13:10 | HANDICAP CHASE (2M3½F)
A competitive handicap chase opens the Wetherby analysis, with the panel searching for early-season value.
13:45 | MONTAGU MARES' HURDLE (LISTED, 2M)
A valuable Listed contest featuring mares looking to establish themselves in the division.
14:18 | WEST YORKSHIRE HURDLE (GRADE 2, 3M)
The staying hurdlers return in an important early-season test over three miles.
14:55 | CHARLIE HALL CHASE (GRADE 2, 3M)
Pic d'Orhy makes his debut for Dan Skelton, facing former trainer Paul Nicholls, who saddles Hitman, his highest-rated horse.
Twinjets, partnered by Harry Cobden, adds further intrigue, while The Real Whacker and Handstands contribute to a fascinating renewal.
Can Pic d'Orhy make an immediate impact for his new stable, or will one of his rivals spoil the occasion?
15:30 | HANDICAP HURDLE (2M)
A competitive two-mile handicap hurdle rounds off the Wetherby selections.
ASCOT | HANDICAP BETTING PREVIEW
13:25 | NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP CHASE (2M3F)
An intriguing novice handicap chase with potentially progressive runners stepping into competitive company.
14:00 | SODEXO LIVE! HANDICAP CHASE (2M1F)
The panel assess the leading contenders and potential value in this competitive handicap.
14:33 | REGAL ENCORE HANDICAP CHASE (3M)
Stamina and jumping will be crucial in this three-mile handicap chase.
15:43 | LAVAZZA HANDICAP HURDLE (1M7½F)
A fascinating handicap hurdle completes our Ascot preview, with the panel examining the contenders and potential improvers.
THE PANEL'S BEST BETS
Three standout betting angles headline this week's Weekend Betting Guide:
🏇 17/2 NAP🎯 15/2 SELECTION: BACKED BY THREE PANEL MEMBERS💰 18/1 ASCOT HANDICAP OUTSIDER
Discover the selections, the reasoning behind them and which horses the panel believe offer the best value across the weekend.
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