Genius 256

[kash72]

Stuck with the last two. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

26across

Firmly establish dynasty with Newspaper( 4)

??f?  ( probably ??ft)

26 down

Overwhelming favourite in classic race advanced from capital (4)

??r?

[iminoz]

26a HAFT, firmly establish. Han, dynasty + FT, newspaper. N is extra

26a. HARE. Def. is first 5 words. HARARE, capital city, minus A. R is extra.

[kash72]

Many thanks, Iminoz