After rallying behind Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Weekend Winners panel shifted its focus to the Challenge Cup at Ascot. The historic seven-furlong handicap attracted a full complement of eighteen runners, with Thunder Call emerging as the early betting favourite for trainer William Haggas.
Among the contenders, Moonfall represents the partnership of Billy Loughnane and George Boughey, while former Royal Ascot winner Mezcala also lines up for a shot at the prize. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, giving fans a chance to follow the action from the historic venue. One of the panelists explained his reasoning for backing Thunder Call, noting that the 11/4 price seemed "mightily short".
"I respect his chances, but I didn't want to overplay the price," he said, adding that he preferred to take a swing at a different runner. He highlighted the consistent performances of Richard Spencer’s horses throughout the season, mentioning Hawksbill and Two Tribes as the two he found most intriguing, even though Spencer has been relatively quiet of late. Another commentator turned his attention to a 20/1 outsider, emphasizing that the horse’s recent form at Ascot made it worth a look. The runner had finished second in the International Stakes, carrying one pound less than the winner, a performance that stood out to the analyst.
"He's a very good horse and he's got Toby Moore aboard, who will take a handy seven-pound allowance – that could be crucial for his chances," the pundit added. He also noted that the horse’s recent fourth place behind Extremely Zain in the International was encouraging, especially since Extremely Zain has since secured a convincing win at York. The panelist cautioned that the race might be a step too far for the 20/1 runner, but he was impressed by Toby Moore's booking and hoped the jockey could deliver a strong finish. He encouraged viewers to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features via Sky Sports Racing's mobile platforms.
When discussing Mezcala, the analyst invoked the famous line "once more unto the breach, dear friends," expressing hope that the horse Port Master would stay in contention. "I don't see a lot of pace in this race and it could get a bit messy," he warned. He reminded listeners that the track is often pulled off the straight for Champions Day, resulting in a smaller field that can split into two groups, making race dynamics unpredictable.
Reflecting on Mezcala's recent form, the commentator highlighted the horse's performance in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, where he ran well down the rail, found ample cover, and delivered his best effort late in the race. He suggested that a slight lucky break – the runner‑up easing off a touch – may have helped, but if Mezcala returns to that level, he could be a serious contender. The horse also performed admirably at the Leger meeting under challenging circumstances, prompting the analyst to urge trainer George Bass to give the horse a protective ride.
Further confidence in Mezcala was expressed by another panelist who recalled the horse's Doncaster run, where a low draw (14) and an unfavourable running style hampered his chances. "He was perhaps a little short of the required rating of 98," the pundit noted, but the horse has now been given a generous one‑pound allowance. Despite being rated above his Royal Ascot‑winning mark, the analyst believes that returning to Ascot's familiar track and trip, with the added comfort of his long‑time trainer George Bass, gives Mezcala a solid chance at 15/2 odds.
Overall, the Challenge Cup promises a competitive field with several intriguing storylines: Thunder Call's strong backing, a potential upset from a 20/1 outsider with a solid recent record, and Mezcala's quest to replicate his Royal Ascot success. Fans can catch the full Weekend Winners analysis on the At The Races YouTube channel, and the live race will be streamed on Sky Sports Racing, providing ample opportunity to follow the drama as it unfolds on the historic Ascot turf.