After rallying behind Daryz in the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Weekend Winners panel shifted its focus to Ascot’s historic Challenge Cup. The race, a heritage handicap contested over seven furlongs, has attracted a full slate of eighteen entries, each hoping to make a mark in one of the summer’s most exciting sprint events. Among the contenders, Thunder Call has emerged as the early market favorite, backed by the William Haggas stable. The horse’s odds of 11/4 reflect a strong level of confidence from punters, although some analysts feel the price may be a touch generous given the depth of the field.
Thunder Call’s form has been solid, but the panel believes the race could produce a surprise winner, especially as the conditions at Ascot often favor horses that can adapt to a fast, straight track. Also in the mix is Moonfall, representing the partnership of Billy Loughnane and George Boughey. Moonfall has shown promise in recent outings and is expected to be a serious challenger for the top spot. However, the most intriguing storyline revolves around Mezcala, the recent Royal Ascot champion, who is set to test his mettle once again in this competitive handicap.
Fans can tune in to Sky Sports Racing at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday to watch the race live from Ascot. The broadcast will provide a front‑row seat to the action, complete with expert commentary and post‑race analysis.
One of the panel’s contributors explained his betting rationale: “The Challenge Cup truly lives up to its name—it's a tough race to crack. I thought Thunder Call was a bit short at 11/4, so I decided to take a swing at a different runner. Richard Spencer has had a solid season in these types of contests, and while he’s been a little quiet lately, he still has two horses of interest—Hawksbill and Two Tribes. I was particularly drawn to Two Tribes because of his recent performances.” The same commentator highlighted another outsider: “There’s a horse priced around 20/1 that I think deserves a look.
His recent form at Ascot is impressive; he finished second in the International Stakes carrying one pound less, which is a strong indicator of his ability. He’s a high‑class runner and will be partnered with jockey Toby Moore, who gets a seven‑pound allowance—a factor that could be pivotal. The less we talk about Ayr, the better, but his performance in the International, where he beat a field that included Extremely Zain (who has since won again at York), suggests he could be a dark horse in this contest.” The panel also discussed the potential for the race to become overly demanding for some entrants. “It might be a race that stretches certain horses beyond their limits, but Toby Moore’s booking caught my eye, and I hope he can deliver a strong finish,” the analyst added.
In a separate interview, another expert expressed optimism for Mezcala: “It’s ‘once more unto the breach, dear friends’ for Mezcala. I’m hoping Port Master will get a clear run because the race doesn’t appear to have an abundance of pace, which could make it a bit chaotic.
The track layout at Ascot includes a rail‑off straight that keeps things fresh for Champions Day, and even though the field is smaller than usual, it could split into two groups, adding another tactical element.” Mezcala’s recent form adds to the intrigue. He performed admirably in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, benefitting from a favorable rail position and ample cover, and finished strongly. Although the runner‑up appeared to ease off near the line, Mezcala’s late acceleration was impressive. He also ran well at the Leger meeting under challenging circumstances, suggesting he can handle a variety of race scenarios.
Trainer George Bass, who knows the horse intimately, will be looking to position him perfectly for a potential win. The commentator continued: “I’m keeping faith in Mezcala.
His run at Doncaster was respectable, but a low draw (14) and a less than ideal running style hampered him. He may have been a touch short of his best at a rating of 98, but he’s now been given a one‑pound concession, which should help. He’s still above his Royal Ascot‑winning level, and returning to this track with familiar jockey George Bass makes me comfortable backing him at 15/2.” Overall, the Challenge Cup promises a blend of seasoned talent, emerging prospects, and tactical nuance.
With Thunder Call, Moonfall, Mezcala, and several other capable runners in the mix, punters and racing enthusiasts alike can expect a tightly contested sprint that could produce an upset or confirm a favorite’s dominance. For those who want to stay updated on the latest racing news, interviews, and features, Sky Sports Racing’s app and website provide continuous coverage. You can also catch the full Weekend Winners show on the At The Races YouTube channel, where the panel will break down the race after the finish and discuss the implications for the rest of the summer meeting. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the Challenge Cup at Ascot offers a perfect showcase of speed, strategy, and the unpredictable excitement that makes horse racing such a beloved sport.