The Final Furlong Podcast

The Final Furlong Podcast Weekend Betting Guide is back. After landing five winners last Saturday and hitting 33/1, 11/4, 5/2, 9/4 and 5/6 in our Punchestown special, Emmet Kennedy is joined by Andy Newton, George Gorman and Peter Michael to break down Saturday’s ITV Racing card with strong opinions, confident NAPs and big-price angles across Kempton, Lingfield, Newcastle and Fairyhouse.

This is a deep dive into the races that matter — with clear betting positions and prices that stand out.

💰 This Week’s Best Bets


George: 11/1 NAP (Fairyhouse) + 7/1 Next Best (Newcastle)


Andy: 9/2 NAP (Eider Chase) + 12/1 & 16/1 Kempton picks


Peter: 5/2 NAP (Kempton)


Emmet: Lucky 31 across 2/1, 11/4, 7/1, 9/1 & 9/2 selections

🟥 Feature Debate

Constitution Hill at Southwell

Can he bounce back under Oisin Murphy on the All-Weather?
A fascinating talking point with strong views from the panel.

🏇 Race-by-Race Preview

3:35 Kempton — Trophy Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 3m)

Sam Thomas has dominated this race in recent years.
Last year’s winner Katate Dori returns off an 11lb higher mark — can he defy it?

1:10 Kempton — Handicap Hurdle (2m5f)

Paul Nicholls targets the meeting but hasn’t won this race since 2010.Fasol returns off the same mark after a solid C&D effort in the Lanzarote.

1:25 Lingfield — Hever Sprint Stakes (Listed, 5f)

Diligent Harry bids to regain his crown in a sharp sprint test.

1:45 Kempton — Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (G2)

Precious Man heads the market after a C&D win.
What do we make of One Horse Town and the expensive recruit Fantasy World?

2:00 Lingfield — Winter Derby (G3, 1m2f)

The Gosden-trained Chancellor steps up in trip — is he the one to beat?

2:25 Kempton — Pendil Novices’ Chase (G2)

Jax Junior is odds-on after a dominant handicap win.
Nicholls’ Go West adds intrigue given the yard’s outstanding record.

2:43 Newcastle — Eider Chase (4m1½f)

A brutal staying test.
Andy’s 9/2 NAP comes here — and the panel break down the key profiles.

3:00 Kempton — Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle (G2)

A race with strong Festival implications and contrasting profiles.

3:15 Fairyhouse — Bobbyjo Chase (G3, 3m2f)

A key Grand National trial — and home to George’s 11/1 NAP.

🎯 Why This Episode Matters

Proven recent profit: multiple winners including 33/1

Strong NAPs and aligned opinions across the panel

Big-priced handicap angles the market may underestimate

Key trials for Cheltenham and Aintree emerging

🎧 Listen & Watch

🎧 Follow on Spotify, Apple & all podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full show on YouTube

💬 Comment: Who is your NAP this weekend?
👍 Like & share to support the show

🔵 Presented by 1xBet Ireland. More than 7,000 events per day, fast withdrawals & new customer specials 👉 ⁠https://cutt.ly/0r7bzDoH ⁠18+. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. Your game. Your odds. Your 1xBet.

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly reviews, previews & Festival insight🎧 Follow on Spotify, Apple & Podbean for instant episode drops💬 Comment: Who is your horse to follow from the weekend?👍 Like & share to support the show and grow the community

⚡ Proven Form: Winners tipped recently at 20/1, 16/1, 14/1, 12/1, and 10/1.🎯 Smart betting meets sharp analysis — only on The Final Furlong Podcast.

1xBet social media pages:
Х: https://x.com/1xbet_ireland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1xbet.ie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1xbet.ie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1xbet-ireland/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1xBet_Ireland

Form Tools: Proform is the essential tool for punters looking to make money from betting on Horse Racing. Our form book covers Jumps and Flat racing in the UK and Ireland. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.proformracing.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: @FinalFurlongPod

Email: [email protected]

In association with Adelicious Podcast Network. Hosted on Megaphone. 

Follow us for free on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3e6NnBkr7MBstVx5U7lpld
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first Yes/No Gameshow of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival season is here. Emmet Kennedy is joined by Adam Mills, Lizzie Kelly, Jaime Wrenn and Barry Doyle to take on the ante-post market leaders with 1xBet Ireland — and every favourite faces the same question: YES… or NO? Each panellist votes. No fence-sitting. Then they justify it. This is where conviction meets pressure.

🟥 Champion Hurdle

The New Lion – 9/4 favourite

Is he a worthy market leader — or too short in a race that punishes hype?

🟦 Mares’ Hurdle

Lossiemouth – 10/11

Banker or blowout?

🟩 Stayers’ Hurdle

Teahupoo – 13/8

Can he regain his crown? Or is he vulnerable at the top?

🟨 Champion Chase

Majborough – 7/4

The heir apparent? Or a short-priced risk in a division that bites back?

🟧 Ryanair Chase

Fact To File – EvensGaelic Warrior – 7/4

Two heavyweights. But will either run? If lining up, are they bombproof?

🟪 Gold Cup

Fact To File – 4/1Jango Baie – 9/2

Is the market right? Or is the Gold Cup picture far more open than it looks?

🎯 What You’ll Get

Clear Yes/No verdicts on every Festival favourite

Strong disagreements

One favourite each panel member is prepared to oppose

One favourite each is confident will deliver

If you’re betting Cheltenham ante-post, this episode forces you to take a stance.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all podcast platforms📺 Watch the full show on YouTube💬 Comment below: Which favourite are you backing — and which one are you taking on?

🔵 Presented by 1xBet Ireland. More than 7,000 events per day, fast withdrawals & new customer specials 👉 ⁠https://cutt.ly/0r7bzDoH ⁠18+. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. Your game. Your odds. Your 1xBet.

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly reviews, previews & Festival insight🎧 Follow on Spotify, Apple & Podbean for instant episode drops💬 Comment: Who is your horse to follow from the weekend?👍 Like & share to support the show and grow the community

⚡ Proven Form: Winners tipped recently at 20/1, 16/1, 14/1, 12/1, and 10/1.🎯 Smart betting meets sharp analysis — only on The Final Furlong Podcast.

1xBet social media pages:
Х: https://x.com/1xbet_ireland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1xbet.ie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1xbet.ie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1xbet-ireland/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1xBet_Ireland

Form Tools: Proform is the essential tool for punters looking to make money from betting on Horse Racing. Our form book covers Jumps and Flat racing in the UK and Ireland. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.proformracing.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: @FinalFurlongPod

Email: [email protected]

In association with Adelicious Podcast Network. Hosted on Megaphone. 

Follow us for free on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3e6NnBkr7MBstVx5U7lpld
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Punchestown Grand National Trial Betting Guide | 6/1 NAP, Elliott Trends & Festival Clues

Emmet Kennedy is joined by Jaime Wrenn, Andy Newton and Sean Crowe to mark your card for 1xBet Grand National Trial Day at Punchestown.

This is one of the most informative staying handicap chases in Ireland — and the stats are impossible to ignore.

🟥 2:30 Punchestown – 1xBet Grand National Trial (Listed)

Gordon Elliott has won 6 of the last 10, including the last four. Last year’s winner Fortunedefortunata returns off a higher mark, now with a 5lb claimer on board. Sean Crowe makes Lucky Lyreen his 6/1 NAP with 1xBet Ireland.

We also discuss:
• A 15/2 play
• A 16/1 angle
• The profile that keeps winning this race

🟦 2:00 Punchestown – Beginners Chase

Willie Mullins won this last year and runs Kiss Will, previously favourite in both chase starts. Beaten last time out in the same Leopardstown race has produced Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File. But the team are split.

Soldier In Milan who was 4/1 for that Leopardstown race, is Emmet’s NAP of the weekend. If his jumping sharpens up, two of the panel believe he has serious upside.

🟩 1:30 Punchestown – Noel Byrne Memorial Rated Novice Chase

Can Pure Steel bounce back at a track and trip he has already won over?

🟨 3:00 Punchestown – Sheila Bourke Novice Hurdle

Heads Up is considered NAP material by one of the panel.

Andy brings a stat that makes the race more complicated.

🟪 3:32 – Maiden Hurdle

The long-awaited hurdles debut of Barry Connell’s Ksar Fatal.

🟧 4:32 – INH Flat Race

The team highlight a horse currently 40/1 for the Champion Bumper with 1xBet Ireland. 

🎯 Plus

• A charity race with a standout contender
• Festival angles emerging
• Two strong weekend NAPs
• Big-priced plays throughout the card

If you’re betting Punchestown, this is your full preview.

🔵 Presented by 1xBet Ireland. More than 7,000 events per day, fast withdrawals & new customer specials 👉 ⁠https://cutt.ly/0r7bzDoH ⁠18+. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. Your game. Your odds. Your 1xBet.

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly reviews, previews & Festival insight🎧 Follow on Spotify, Apple & Podbean for instant episode drops💬 Comment: Who is your horse to follow from the weekend?👍 Like & share to support the show and grow the community

⚡ Proven Form: Winners tipped recently at 20/1, 16/1, 14/1, 12/1, and 10/1.🎯 Smart betting meets sharp analysis — only on The Final Furlong Podcast.

1xBet social media pages:
Х: https://x.com/1xbet_ireland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1xbet.ie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1xbet.ie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1xbet-ireland/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1xBet_Ireland

Form Tools: Proform is the essential tool for punters looking to make money from betting on Horse Racing. Our form book covers Jumps and Flat racing in the UK and Ireland. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.proformracing.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: @FinalFurlongPod

Email: [email protected]

In association with Adelicious Podcast Network. Hosted on Megaphone. 

Follow us for free on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3e6NnBkr7MBstVx5U7lpld
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first of our special Festival countdown interviews, Emmet Kennedy sits down with legendary Seven Barrows trainer Nicky Henderson for a wide-ranging and revealing conversation about his leading contenders for March.

🟥 Jonbon – Ascot, Ryanair & Maturity

Jonbon is now 10, chasing another Grade 1 and stepping up in trip at Ascot.

Henderson explains:

Why Jonbon is now far more amenable than in his early days

The real purpose of the cheekpieces

His concerns about soft ground

Whether 2m5f is within range

And why the Ryanair Chase may now be the natural Festival target

Could he yet add another top-level victory to his CV and edge closer to the greats?

🟦 Supreme & Arkle – The New Generation

Henderson also discusses:

Old Park Star – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle favourite
What makes him different? Is he ready for the white heat of Festival day?

Lulamba – Arkle favourite after his Game Spirit success
Does he deserve to be at the head of the market?

🟩 Constitution Hill – The Big Question

Why run a former Champion Hurdler on the All-Weather over 1m4f?

Henderson explains the thinking behind the move — and addresses the dilemma surrounding a return to the Champion Hurdle after three falls in his last four hurdle starts.

🟨 Gold Cup & Staying Division

• Impose Toi and the Stayers’ Hurdle picture
• Jango Baie and his Gold Cup credentials
• How Henderson assesses readiness for Cheltenham versus protecting a horse’s long-term future

This is a detailed, candid conversation about stable stars, Festival strategy and the balancing act of managing elite National Hunt talent.

If you’re serious about understanding the Cheltenham Festival markets, this is essential listening.

🔵 Presented by 1xBet Ireland. More than 7,000 events per day, fast withdrawals & new customer specials 👉 ⁠https://cutt.ly/0r7bzDoH ⁠18+. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. Your game. Your odds. Your 1xBet.

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly reviews, previews & Festival insight🎧 Follow on Spotify, Apple & Podbean for instant episode drops💬 Comment: Who is your horse to follow from the weekend?👍 Like & share to support the show and grow the community

⚡ Proven Form: Winners tipped recently at 20/1, 16/1, 14/1, 12/1, and 10/1.🎯 Smart betting meets sharp analysis — only on The Final Furlong Podcast.

1xBet social media pages:
Х: https://x.com/1xbet_ireland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1xbet.ie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1xbet.ie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1xbet-ireland/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1xBet_Ireland

Form Tools: Proform is the essential tool for punters looking to make money from betting on Horse Racing. Our form book covers Jumps and Flat racing in the UK and Ireland. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.proformracing.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: @FinalFurlongPod

Email: [email protected]

In association with Adelicious Podcast Network. Hosted on Megaphone. 

Follow us for free on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3e6NnBkr7MBstVx5U7lpld
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Final Furlong Podcast Weekend Betting Guide is back, and this is a stacked Saturday across Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton.

Emmet Kennedy is joined by Andy Newton, George Gorman and Peter Michael to preview every major ITV race, with strong opinions, big-priced handicaps and Grade 1 headliners.

🟥 3:35 Ascot – Ascot Chase (Grade 1) – 2m5f

Jonbon is unbeaten in three starts at Ascot and goes for his 12th Grade 1 victory. Standing in his way is Pic D’Orhy, bidding for a third consecutive win in this race. Does Jonbon extend his Ascot dominance, or is this Pic D’Orhy’s race again?

🟦 1:15 Ascot – Novices’ Hurdle – 2m3½f

One of George’s strongest fancies of the entire weekend runs here and is currently available at 4/1 with 1xBet Ireland.

🟩 1:35 Wincanton – Kingwell Hurdle (G2) – 1m7f

Could Alexi force his way into the Champion Hurdle conversation in a clash with Paul Nicholls’ Rubaud?

🟨 1:50 Ascot – Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (G2) – 3m

Is Thomas Mor a good thing after his Grade 1 second last time, or could soft ground blunt his edge?

🟧 2:05 Haydock – Rendlesham Hurdle (G2) – 3m½f

Kabral Du Mathan looks set to go off red hot favourite.
But could old friend of the show French Ship turn this into a proper stamina test and cause an upset?

💰 Handicap Plays & Big-Price Angles

2:25 Ascot – Exchange Handicap Hurdle
Andy Newton puts forward a strong 6/1 bet.

2:40 Haydock – Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle (G2)
A competitive renewal with 5/1 and 7/2 selections highlighted.

3:00 Ascot – Swinley Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
Two lively 12/1 shots make serious appeal.

3:15 Haydock – Grand National Trial (Premier Handicap)
The team fire in 10/1 and 18/1 bets in a race that could shape Aintree markets. This is full-card coverage. Every key race dissected. Every major price discussed. If you’re betting Saturday, this is your prep.

🔵 Presented by 1xBet Ireland. More than 7,000 events per day, fast withdrawals & new customer specials 👉 ⁠https://cutt.ly/0r7bzDoH ⁠18+. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. Your game. Your odds. Your 1xBet.

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly reviews, previews & Festival insight🎧 Follow on Spotify, Apple & Podbean for instant episode drops💬 Comment: Who is your horse to follow from the weekend?👍 Like & share to support the show and grow the community

⚡ Proven Form: Winners tipped recently at 20/1, 16/1, 14/1, 12/1, and 10/1.🎯 Smart betting meets sharp analysis — only on The Final Furlong Podcast.

1xBet social media pages:
Х: https://x.com/1xbet_ireland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1xbet.ie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1xbet.ie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1xbet-ireland/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1xBet_Ireland

Form Tools: Proform is the essential tool for punters looking to make money from betting on Horse Racing. Our form book covers Jumps and Flat racing in the UK and Ireland. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.proformracing.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: @FinalFurlongPod

Email: [email protected]

In association with Adelicious Podcast Network. Hosted on Megaphone. 

Follow us for free on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/3e6NnBkr7MBstVx5U7lpld
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices