After rallying behind Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Weekend Winners panel shifted its focus to Ascot’s Challenge Cup. The historic handicap over seven furlongs has drawn a full complement of 18 runners, and the early betting market has tipped Thunder Call, trained by William Haggas, as the front‑runner. Among the challengers is Moonfall, representing the partnership of Billy Loughnane and George Boughey, while former Royal Ascot winner Mezcala also lines up for a chance at redemption.
The race will be broadcast live from Ascot on Sky Sports Racing at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday. "The Challenge Cup truly lives up to its name – it’s far from easy," one pundit noted.
"I thought Thunder Call was massively overpriced at 11/4. I respect his ability, but I wasn’t comfortable backing him at that price, so I decided to take a swing elsewhere.
It’s interesting to see how Richard Spencer has performed in these kinds of races throughout the season; he’s been relatively quiet lately, but he does have two entries, Hawksbill and Two Tribes, that caught my eye." The panel also highlighted a long‑shot at roughly 20/1 that, despite the odds, possesses a form that cannot be ignored. The horse finished second in the International Stakes carrying one pound less, a performance that stands out as a key indicator of ability.
"He’s a genuinely good horse and now has Toby Moore aboard, who will give him a helpful seven‑pound allowance – that could be decisive," the analyst explained. "There’s not much to say about Ayr, but in the International he was behind Extremely Zain, who has since won again at York in impressive fashion." "It could be a case of the race being a step too far for him, but Toby Moore’s booking caught my attention and I hope he can deliver a solid run," the commentator added. The discussion then turned to Mezcala, the Royal Ascot victor who hopes to repeat his success. "It’s ‘once more unto the breach, dear friends’ for Mezcala.
I’m hoping Port Master gets a run because I don’t see a lot of early speed in this field, and it could become a bit chaotic. Remember, they rail off the straight track to keep the meeting fresh for Champions Day, and even though the field is smaller than usual, it can still split into two groups – we’ll see how that plays out." If Mezcala can recapture the form he showed in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, his prospects look promising. The race layout suits a rail‑hugger, offering plenty of cover and allowing a late burst of speed. "He may have been a touch lucky that the runner‑up was idling a bit, but if he returns to that level of performance, he’ll be right in the mix," the pundit said.
"He ran admirably at the Leger meeting under challenging conditions, and I think George Bass needs to ensure he’s well‑covered." The analyst reaffirmed his confidence in Mezcala, recalling the Doncaster outing where a low draw (14) and an unfavourable running style hampered his chances. "He was a little short of the required rating of 98, but the handicapper has now given him a generous one‑pound relief. He’s still rated above his Royal Ascot‑winning mark, but back on this track with his familiar trainer George Bass, I’m comfortable backing him at 15/2." Beyond the immediate race, the panel reminded viewers to stay updated with the latest horse‑racing news, interviews, and features via Sky Sports Racing’s mobile platform.
For those who missed the live broadcast, a full replay of the Weekend Winners discussion will be available on the At The Races YouTube channel. In summary, the Challenge Cup promises a tightly contested sprint with Thunder Call as the market favourite, but several outsiders – including the 20/1 long‑shot with a strong International form, the Hawksbill/Two Tribes entries from Richard Spencer, and the seasoned Mezcala – could upset the odds.
With a full field of 18, a seven‑furlong heritage course, and a mix of emerging talent and proven performers, Ascot’s Challenge Cup remains one of the most exciting fixtures on the weekend racing calendar. Viewers can tune in at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday to witness the action unfold live on Sky Sports Racing.