Mezcala fancied to scoop Challenge Cup prize

After putting their collective support behind Daryz for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Weekend Winners panel turned their attention to Ascot's Challenge Cup.A maximum field of 18 runners have assembled for the heritage handicap contest over seven furlongs, with Thunder Call the early market favourite for the William Haggas team. Moonfall is in opposition for the Billy Loughnane and George Boughey combination, alongside Royal Ascot winner Mezcala. Watch the race from Ascot - live on Sky Sports Racing - at 3.35pm on Saturday.Sam Boswell..."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. "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. "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..."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. Image: Mezcala returns to Ascot this weekend 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."Kate Tracey..."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!"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."Watch Weekend Winners in full on the At The Races YouTube channel.