After rallying behind Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Weekend Winners panel shifted its focus to Ascot’s prestigious Challenge Cup. The historic handicap, contested over seven furlongs, has drawn a full complement of eighteen runners, each hoping to secure a place in the winner’s circle.
Among the entries, Thunder Call has emerged as the early market favourite, backed by the renowned William Haggas stable, and carries odds of 11/4. Also in the mix is Moonfall, representing the partnership of Billy Loughnane and George Boughey, while former Royal Ascot victor Mezcala is looking to add another high‑profile triumph to its résumé. The race will be broadcast live from Ascot on Sky Sports Racing at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, giving fans an opportunity to watch the drama unfold in real time.
"The Challenge Cup truly lives up to its name – it’s a tough test," one commentator observed. "I thought Thunder Call was heavily over‑priced at 11/4.
I respect his ability, but I wasn’t comfortable laying my money at those odds. I decided to take a swing elsewhere.
It’s interesting that Richard Spencer has performed well in similar events throughout the season. He’s been a little quiet lately, but he still has two promising runners here – Hawksbill and Two Tribes – which caught my eye." The panel also highlighted a dark horse at roughly 20/1 odds, noting that the horse’s recent form at Ascot is hard to ignore. "He finished second in the International, carrying one pound less, and that is the piece of form that stands out for me," the analyst said. "He’s a genuinely good horse, and he’ll be ridden by Toby Moore, who will be taking a generous seven‑pound allowance – a crucial factor that could tip the balance in his favour.
The less we talk about Ayr, the better, but in the International he was chased by 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 eye, and I hope he can deliver a strong performance," the commentator added. The broadcast also reminded viewers to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring fans never miss a story from the sport they love. Turning to Mezcala, the panel’s tone shifted to cautious optimism.
"It’s ‘once more unto the breach, dear friends’ for Mezcala," one pundit remarked. "I’m hoping Port Master will get a good run because the race lacks a lot of early speed, which could make things messy.
We shouldn’t forget that the straight track is rail‑off at Ascot to keep the surface fresh for Champions Day, and even though the field is smaller than usual, it can still split into two groups, so the race may unfold in several ways." If Mezcala can replicate the form he displayed in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, his chances improve dramatically. "The race set up nicely for him on the rail, giving him plenty of cover, and he produced his best effort in the closing stages.
He may have been a touch lucky that the runner‑up was idling a little, but if he returns to that level, he’ll be a serious contender. He ran well at the Leger meeting despite the circumstances, and I’d like to see George Bass give him a solid ride to keep him covered." The analyst continued, "I’m keeping the faith in Mezcala and hoping everything goes his way.
His run at Doncaster last time was respectable, but low draws and an unfavourable running style held him back. I also felt he was a little short of the required rating of 98, though he’s now been given a generous one‑pound allowance. He remains above his Royal Ascot‑winning mark, but back on this track with a familiar trip and George Bass aboard, I like him at 15/2." In addition to the on‑track action, the panel encouraged viewers to watch the full Weekend Winners show on the At The Races YouTube channel, where in‑depth analysis, interviews with trainers and jockeys, and behind‑the‑scenes insights are provided. Overall, the Challenge Cup promises a thrilling contest with a blend of seasoned campaigners, emerging talent, and a few outsiders who could cause an upset.
Thunder Call’s favouritism, the promising form of Hawksbill and Two Tribes, the dark horse with a strong Ascot record, and Mezcala’s determined comeback all add layers of intrigue. As the horses line up at Ascot, fans can expect a fast‑paced, tactical race where weight allowances, track conditions, and split‑field dynamics will play pivotal roles in determining the victor. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual observer, the Challenge Cup offers a compelling narrative that showcases the depth and excitement of British flat racing.