Following their collective backing of Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Weekend Winners panel has shifted focus to Ascot's Challenge Cup, a heritage handicap that promises to test the assembled contenders.
The race will draw a maximum field of 18 runners competing over seven furlongs, with Thunder Call emerging as the early market favourite for trainer William Haggas.
Moonfall represents the Billy Loughnane and George Boughey partnership, while Royal Ascot winner Mezcala also features in the line-up. Moonfall returns to Ascot seeking further success in a competitive handicap, having previously shown promise at the track.
The Challenge Cup takes place on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at 3:35pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Sam Boswell's selection
Sam Boswell expressed reservations about the market leaders, believing Thunder Call was priced too short at 11/4 despite respecting the horse's credentials. Instead, he turned his attention to Two Tribes, trained by Richard Spencer, who has enjoyed a productive season in similar contests.
"It lives up to its name, this Challenge Cup, because it's not easy! I thought Thunder Call was mightily short at 11/4, I respect his chances but didn't want to playing [at the price]. I thought I'd take a bit of a swing here. It's interesting that in these types of races Richard Spencer has gone through the season and done pretty well in them. He's gone a bit quiet recently but he's got two here, Hawksbill and Two Tribes - who I was most interested in."
Two Tribes, hovering around the 20/1 mark, boasts an impressive record at Ascot that caught Boswell's eye. The horse finished second in the International Stakes off a one-pound lower weight, a performance that stands out as the most significant form reference available.
"He's kicking around the 20/1 mark but this horse's form at Ascot is there for all to see. He was second in the International off one pound lower and that is the piece of form that stands out for me. He's just a really good horse and he's got Toby Moore booked, who will take a handy seven off - which will be really key to his chances. The less said about Ayr the better but [in the International] he had Extremely Zain behind in fourth, who has come out and won again since at York in good fashion."
The booking of jockey Toby Moore, who will claim a seven-pound allowance, represents a significant factor in Two Tribes' favour. Extremely Zain, who finished fourth behind Two Tribes in the International, has since returned to the winner's enclosure at York in impressive fashion, underlining the quality of that form.
"It could be a case of a race too many for him but I thought Toby Moore's booking was eye-catching and I'd hope he can run into the places."
Declan Rix backs Mezcala
Declan Rix has placed his faith in Mezcala, the Royal Ascot winner who claimed the Buckingham Palace Stakes on 18 June 2026 at the royal meeting. Mezcala won the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on 18 June 2026, beating Elarak over seven furlongs on good-to-firm ground, establishing credentials that remain relevant for this assignment.
"It's 'once more unto the breach dear friends' with Mezcala. I just hope that Port Master runs because I don't see loads of pace in the race and it could get a little bit messy. We shouldn't forget they rail off the straight track to keep it fresh for Champions Day [at this meeting] and even though they do that and it's a smaller field than usual, they can split in two - so we'll see."
Rix highlighted the tactical setup of the Challenge Cup, noting that the reduced field size and the track configuration could create opportunities for horses positioned tactically. The race's dynamics may favour runners who secure cover and make their move late, a style that suits Mezcala's profile.
"If he comes back to this form from the Buckingham Palace Stakes he's got a wonderful chance. The race set up nicely for him down the rail, he got plenty of cover and he did all of his best work late. He maybe got a little bit lucky that the runner-up was idling a touch but if he comes back to this form, he's 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."
Mezcala's recent outing at the Leger meeting at Doncaster demonstrated resilience under difficult circumstances, according to Rix's assessment. Jockey George Bass will be tasked with securing a prominent position in the race and allowing the horse to settle before launching a late challenge.
Kate Tracey's perspective
Kate Tracey also expressed confidence in Mezcala's prospects, viewing his Doncaster run in a positive light despite the result. She attributed the performance to unfavourable draw and running style rather than a decline in ability.
"I'm also keeping the faith with Mezcala here and hoping that all goes well for him. That Doncaster run last time - I thought it was fair enough. Low draws came to the fore that day and he was in 14 with the running style also not helping. I did also feel that he was perhaps found wanting off that mark of 98 and he's been generously given 1lb back now!"
The handicapper has provided Mezcala with a one-pound reduction, bringing him back into contention. Mezcala carries 9st 4lb from stall 16 with jockey George Bass and trainer Jack Channon, positioning him for a competitive bid in the Challenge Cup.
"He's still above his Royal Ascot-winning mark but back to this track and trip and with his old pal George Bass on, I like him at 15/2."
Despite remaining above the weight at which he won the Buckingham Palace Stakes, Tracey believes the return to Ascot and the seven-furlong distance, combined with the familiar partnership with Bass, offers sufficient encouragement. The Challenge Cup winner's prize stands at £92,772, making this a valuable target for the assembled field.
What to expect on Saturday
The Challenge Cup will bring together a competitive field of up to 18 runners, each seeking to claim the heritage handicap. The race takes place at Ascot on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at 3:35pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, allowing viewers to follow the action as it unfolds.
