American Rascal looking to down the Brits at Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is the richest horse racing meeting in the world, where for one week each year, the world's best horses go to battle in the industry's most prestigious races. Royal Ascot is considered to be the world cup of horse racing, as horses, trainers, and jockeys from all corners of the globe meet at the famous English racetrack.

Horses from countries such as Australia, France, Japan, and the USA have enjoyed Royal Ascot success in the past, and in 2023 another group of foreign raiders are set to take on the best that the British and Irish have to offer.

American Rascal - The USA's big hope

Legendary US trainer, Wesley Ward, has enjoyed some memorable visits to Royal Ascot throughout the years, and in 2023, the wily veteran will be represented by the brilliantly named American Rascal. Ward is a master of his trade and does particularly well with young sprinters that are at the beginning of their careers.

The Norfolk Stakes, run over 5 furlongs, and for 2-year-old horses, is a race that Ward has done particularly well in over the years, and he will hope to be able to record a third victory in the Group 2 contest with American Rascal, who is currently priced at 11/2 in the available Ascot odds.

A very impressive 10-length winner of his sole racecourse start in his native USA, American Rascal has the potential to become a special horse in the future, starting with what is likely to be a first-place finish in the Ascot results this year. Big, strong, and with a massive turn of foot, American Rascal has all of the attributes needed to go right to the very top.

American Rascal was always likely to possess plenty of ability, with his mother, Lady Aurelia, having won many top races around the world, including one at Royal Ascot. Also trained by Wesley Ward, Lady Aurelia was a top-class sprinter in her day, and in 2017 she produced a magnificent performance to win the King's Stand Stakes.

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American Rascal's biggest rivals

Of course, winning any top-level horse race is never a foregone conclusion, particularly at meetings like Royal Ascot where the best equine talent from around the world are set to line up. American Rascal is a very special specimen, but the same could be said for many others set to take him on in the Norfolk Stakes.

So, who are the ones to watch?

Britain's main hope in the race is the well-fancied 11/10 favourite, Elite Status. The son of Havana Grey is two from two in his career so far, the most recent of which was a breathtaking performance in a Listed contest at Sandown. He is another that looks like a superstar in the making, and he is likely to prove the biggest danger to American Rascal.

American Rascal will not be the only US representative in the Norfolk Stakes in 2023, as George Weaver's No Nay Mets is also set to line up. There is little to choose between the two American raiders, as, like American Rascal, No Nay Mets also had a winning start to his career in his native land, and possesses bags of potential as a sprinter.

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