Emmet Kennedy is joined by Paul Ferguson, author of the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide, for a full assessment of the Grade 1 novice chase division. We start with the Arkle Novices’ Chase (2m) – a race built on speed, precision and temperament.

🟥 Arkle Contenders Assessed

• Lulamba – now at the head of the market after his Game Spirit win. Does he deserve to be favourite?
• Kopek Des Bordes – raw ability or unfinished article?
• Romeo Coolio – pace or stamina? Does he truly belong over two miles?
• Kargese – could her hurdles class translate to fences?
• Steel Ally – unbeaten and still progressing.
• Salvator Mundi – Grade 1 hurdler, but does he fit this race?
• Irish Panther & Kappa Jy Pyke – dangerous outsiders or just numbers?

Paul weighs the strengths and weaknesses of each and explains where the value may lie in a race that often rewards precision over hype.

Then we move to the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (3m1f) – a completely different test.

Stamina. Jumping under pressure. Gold Cup potential.

🟦 Brown Advisory Contenders

• Final Demand – top of the market. Is he the real deal over this trip?
• Kaid d’Authie – upward curve or flatterer?
• The Big Westerner – relentless galloper with Festival potential?
• Wendigo & Western Fold – dark horses with staying profiles.
• Kitzbuhel & Koktail Divin – classy but are they true three-milers?
• Oscars Brother – still improving.
• Sixmilebridge & Salver – underestimated or simply second tier?

Paul explains which profile historically wins this race – and which types repeatedly fall short.

🎯 Plus:

• The novice handicap chasers Paul has already shortlisted.
• One 10/1 ante-post selection he believes is overpriced.
• How to approach these markets without getting trapped by recency bias.

If you’re betting the novice chases at Cheltenham, this is the episode that gives structure to the chaos.

📘 Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide 2026

For serious Festival punters, this is the definitive reference.

Print & Digital Bundle available now. Use promo code FFCFBG26 at checkout on weatherbysshop.ie to get £4 off Print, Digital or Bundle editions.

🎧 Listen & Watch

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