After rallying behind Daryz in the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the panel of Weekend Winners swiftly shifted its focus to the Challenge Cup at Ascot. This historic handicap over seven furlongs has attracted a full complement of eighteen runners, creating a highly competitive field that promises plenty of excitement for racing fans. Among the entries, Thunder Call has emerged as the early favorite, backed heavily by the William Haggas stable.
The horse’s odds of 11/4 reflect a strong market confidence, although some pundits have expressed reservations about the price, suggesting that the betting market may have undervalued other contenders. In particular, the combination of trainer Billy Loughnane and jockey George Boughey has placed Moonfall in the mix, while the former Royal Ascot winner Mezcala also features as a serious threat.
The race will be broadcast live from Ascot on Sky Sports Racing at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, giving viewers the chance to witness the drama unfold in real time.
One commentator summed up the nature of the Challenge Cup perfectly: “It lives up to its name, this Challenge Cup, because it’s not easy!” He noted that Thunder Call’s odds seemed "mightily short" at 11/4, acknowledging the horse’s genuine chances while also indicating a personal preference for taking a swing at longer odds. He highlighted the consistency of trainer Richard Spencer throughout the season, pointing out that Spencer’s horses have performed admirably in similar contests.
Although Spencer has been relatively quiet of late, his stable still boasts two promising entries—Hawksbill and Two Tribes—both of which caught the commentator’s eye. Another voice in the discussion turned attention to a horse priced around 20/1, praising its form at Ascot. The horse had finished second in the International Stakes while carrying one pound less, a performance the speaker described as the most compelling piece of recent form.
The horse is slated to be ridden by Toby Moore, who will be given a seven‑pound allowance—a factor that could prove decisive. The commentator added that the less one talks about the horse Ayr, the better, but noted that Ayr’s recent fourth‑place finish behind Extremely Zain—who has since secured a convincing win at York—adds a layer of intrigue. The same analyst speculated that the race might be a step too far for the 20/1 runner, but emphasized that Toby Moore’s attractive booking could enable the horse to “run into the places.” In a separate segment, the panel expressed optimism about Mezcala’s prospects.
The speaker invoked the famous line “once more unto the breach, dear friends,” applying it to Mezcala’s upcoming run. He expressed a desire for Port Master to take part, noting that the overall pace of the race could be limited and that a chaotic finish might ensue.
The commentator reminded listeners that the straight track will be rail‑offed to keep the course fresh for Champions Day, and that despite a reduced field, the race could split into two groups, adding another tactical element. Reflecting on Mezcala’s recent form, the analyst highlighted the horse’s performance in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, where a strong finish along the rail and ample cover allowed the horse to finish strongly. He suggested that a bit of luck may have been involved, as the runner‑up appeared to be idling slightly, but overall the performance indicated that Mezcala could be close to the front again.
The horse’s showing at the Leger meeting, under challenging circumstances, was also praised as a sign of resilience. The commentator urged trainer George Bass to ensure the horse is well‑covered in the upcoming race.
Further commentary reinforced faith in Mezcala, recalling a Doncaster run where a low draw (14) and an unfavourable running style hampered the horse’s chances. The speaker noted that Mezcala appeared to be slightly short of the required rating of 98, but the horse has now been given a generous one‑pound allowance.
Despite being rated above his Royal Ascot‑winning mark, the horse’s familiarity with the Ascot track and the presence of longtime associate George Bass on the team lead the commentator to back Mezcala at 15/2. Overall, the Challenge Cup at Ascot promises a blend of seasoned talent, promising newcomers, and strategic betting opportunities. With Thunder Call leading the market, but several well‑placed outsiders like Moonfall, Hawksbill, Two Tribes, and Mezcala offering attractive odds, punters have a wealth of options to consider. The race’s seven‑furlong distance, combined with the heritage of the event and the potential for a split field, ensures that tactics will play a crucial role.
Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the live broadcast on Sky Sports Racing will provide all the excitement and insight needed to follow the action as it unfolds. For the latest horse racing news, interviews, and feature stories, stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing’s platforms. You can also catch the full Weekend Winners programme on the At The Races YouTube channel, where experts break down each contender’s form, discuss betting strategies, and provide insider perspectives on the race’s key storylines.