After rallying behind Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Weekend Winners crew shifted its focus to the Challenge Cup at Ascot. The historic seven‑furlong handicap has attracted a full slate of eighteen runners, and the early betting market has placed Thunder Call, trained by William Haggas, as the front‑runner. Also in the mix is Moonfall, representing the partnership of Billy Loughnane and George Boughey, while former Royal Ascot winner Mezcala is looking to add another triumph to its résumé. 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 a tough test," one commentator noted. "I thought Thunder Call was massively over‑priced at 11/4.
I respect his ability, but I wasn’t comfortable paying that price, so I decided to take a swing at a few other options. Richard Spencer has had a solid season in these kinds of handicaps, even though he’s been a little quiet lately. He has two entries, Hawksbill and Two Tribes, and I was most intrigued by those two." The show also reminded viewers that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat in the sport.
One analyst highlighted a long‑shot at roughly 20/1, emphasizing that the horse’s recent form at Ascot is unmistakable. "He finished second in the International at a weight a pound lower, and that performance stands out for me," the pundit explained.
"He’s a genuinely high‑class runner and now has Toby Moore on board, who will take a helpful seven‑pound allowance – a factor that could be decisive. The less we talk about Ayr, the better, but in the International he beat Extremely Zain, who has since won again at York in impressive fashion." "It could be a race that stretches him beyond his limits, but Toby Moore’s booking caught my eye and I hope he can make the most of it," the commentator added.
The coverage continued with a reminder to follow Sky Sports Racing for the freshest horse‑racing updates, interviews and features. Turning to Mezcala, another expert likened the situation to the famous line, "once more unto the breach, dear friends." He expressed a wish that Port Master would get a run, noting that the race might lack sufficient pace and could become chaotic. "We shouldn’t forget the straight track is being rail‑off to keep things fresh for Champions Day at this meeting," he said. "Even with a smaller field than usual, the runners could split into two groups, so we’ll have to watch how that unfolds." If Mezcala can recapture the form he displayed in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, his prospects improve dramatically.
"The race set‑up nicely for him along the rail, giving him plenty of cover, and he delivered his best effort late in the race. He may have been a touch lucky that the runner‑up was idling slightly, but if he returns to that level of performance, he’ll be a serious contender.
He ran admirably at the Leger meeting under challenging circumstances. George Bass needs to ensure the horse is well protected." The analyst reaffirmed his confidence in Mezcala, recalling the horse’s Doncaster run. "That race was fair; low draws dominated that day and he started from 14, a position that didn’t suit his running style. I also felt he was a little short of the required rating of 98, and he’s now been given a generous one‑pound allowance back." "He’s still rated above his Royal Ascot‑winning mark, but back on this track and with his old friend George Bass in the saddle, I like him at 15/2," the pundit concluded.
Fans can catch the full Weekend Winners analysis on the At The Races YouTube channel, where the team breaks down the form, tactics and betting angles for the Challenge Cup and other upcoming contests. The extended preview aims to give punters a thorough understanding of each contender, from the market favourite Thunder Call to the under‑dog prospects, ensuring that viewers are well‑equipped to make informed decisions when the gates open at Ascot.