Mezcala Targeting Challenge Cup Glory as Experts Back Royal Ascot Winner

Following their collective backing of Daryz for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Weekend Winners panel shifted their focus to Ascot’s prestigious Challenge Cup. A maximum field of eighteen runners is set to contest the heritage handicap over seven furlongs, with Thunder Call emerging as the early market favourite for the William Haggas stable.

Among the key contenders is Moonfall, representing the Billy Loughnane and George Boughey partnership, alongside Royal Ascot winner Mezcala.

Sam Boswell

“This race truly lives up to its name as the Challenge Cup, because it is far from easy! I thought Thunder Call was somewhat short at 11/4; while I respect his chances, I wasn’t willing to play at that price and preferred to take a bit of a swing elsewhere. It is interesting how Richard Spencer has navigated these types of races throughout the season with decent success. Although he has gone a bit quiet recently, he has two runners here: Hawksbill and Two Tribes, the latter of which was the one that most interested me.”

“Two Tribes is trading around the 20/1 mark, but his Ascot form is there for all to see. He finished second in the International off a one-pound higher mark, which is the standout piece of form for me. He is a genuinely good horse, and the booking of Toby Moore—who will take a handy seven-pound weight off—is highly significant and could be key to his chances. The less said about his run at Ayr the better, but in that International race, he had Extremely Zain behind him in fourth, a horse that has since gone on to win again in impressive fashion at York.”

“It could be argued that this might be a race too many for him, but I found the booking of Toby Moore eye-catching, and I hope he can run into a place.”

Declan Rix

“It is once more unto the breach with Mezcala. I just hope that Port Master runs, because I do not see a great deal of pace in this race, and it could become a bit messy. We must not forget that they rail off the straight track to keep the ground fresh for Champions Day at this meeting. Even though they do that and the field is smaller than usual, they can still split in two, so we will see how it plays out.”

“If he comes back to the form shown in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, he has a wonderful chance. The race set up nicely for him down the rail; he got plenty of cover and did all of his best work late. He may have got a little bit lucky that the runner-up was idling a touch, but if he returns to that form, he is going to go close. He ran at the Leger meeting and, under the circumstances, he ran really well. George Bass needs to get this guy covered up.”

Kate Tracey

“I am also keeping the faith with Mezcala here and hoping that all goes well for him. That Doncaster run last time was, in my opinion, fair enough. Low draws came to the fore that day, and he was in fourteen with the running style also not helping. I also felt that he was perhaps found wanting off that mark of ninety-eight, but he has been generously given a one-pound back now!”

“He is still above his Royal Ascot-winning mark, but back to this track and trip, and with his old pal George Bass on board, I like him at 15/2.”

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