The Weekend Winners panel has shifted focus from the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to Ascot’s prestigious Challenge Cup, offering their key selections for the heritage handicap. A full field of 18 runners is set for the seven-furlong contest, with Thunder Call installed as the early market leader under trainer William Haggas.
Sam Boswell acknowledged that Thunder Call looks “mightily short” at 11/4 but opted to swing for higher value elsewhere. Boswell highlighted trainer Richard Spencer’s strong recent record in this type of event and pinpointed **Two Tribes** as his primary interest. Currently available around 20/1, he noted the horse’s excellent form at Ascot, including a second-place finish in the International on weight-for-age terms. Boswell also praised the booking of jockey Toby Moore, who gains a useful seven-pound claim, and pointed to the strong recent form of Extremely Zain, who finished fourth behind Two Tribes in that previous encounter.
Meanwhile, Declan Rix and Kate Tracey both turned their attention to **Mezcala**, the winner of the Royal Ascot race. Rix expressed hope that Port Master features in the running to provide necessary pace in a field he fears could become disjointed, particularly given the use of the rail configuration ahead of Champions Day. He suggested the race setup suits Mezcala, allowing him to be covered before launching his late challenge, similar to his performance in the Buckingham Palace Stakes. Rix emphasized that George Bass needs to ensure the horse is well-protected during the race.
Tracey also backed Mezcala at 15/2, citing his return to his favored track and trip with Bass in the saddle. She argued that his previous run at Doncaster was fair despite the unfavorable draw of 14, and noted that the horse has been awarded a helpful one-pound mark reduction. Although he remains above his Royal Ascot-winning weight, Tracey believes the conditions are ideal for a strong finish.
Finally, someone mentions getting the front runners going! Without Port Master settling the race, this could be a chaotic finish.
Has anyone else noticed the rail setup ahead of Champions Day? If the pace is slow, the front runners could get dragged into a sprint.
Thunder Call at 11/4 feels like a trap. Haggas loves this race, but the bookies clearly think he’s overbet for the price.
I’m curious about Mezcala’s run at Doncaster. Is it really a fair mark if he struggled to settle there?
Boswell is spot on about the value. Two Tribes at 20/1 with Moore claiming seven pounds is exactly the sort of angle I look for.