American Rascal will attempt to emulate his dam at Royal Ascot Wesley Ward's American Rascal is on his way to Royal Ascot, a place his dam Lady Aurelia adored, as he aims to replicate her success. Lady Aurelia, a brilliant sprint mare, visited Berkshire three times in her career. As a juvenile, she dominated in the Queen Mary Stakes and won by seven lengths under Frankie Dettori. The following season, she returned to face older horses in the King's Stand and again won convincingly, crossing the finish line three lengths ahead. Her final trip to Ascot, in 2018, for the King's Stand unfortunately ended in defeat. However, her outstanding reputation continues as her progeny make their racing debuts. American Rascal, a bay colt sired by Curlin, was the first of Lady Aurelia's offspring to race and did not disappoint when he emerged victorious in a Keeneland event over four-and-a-half-furlongs in April. The youngster won by a staggering 10 and a half lengths, reminiscent of his dam's impressive Keeneland debut nearly seven years prior. Like Lady Aurelia, American Rascal will be heading to Royal Ascot and is set to compete in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes over five furlongs on the Thursday of the prestigious fixture. “He’s doing great, we’re just getting ready for our workout here on the grass at Keeneland,” said Ward. “We’re moving forward, everything’s great. I sure was delighted with his debut, that was exciting.” American Rascal will set sail for England in early June and settle in with a few pieces of work on turf before his date with the Ascot track looms. Ward said: “He’s pulled up dead sound, no issues at all. We’re looking forward to getting his breeze workouts in and then we’re coming for you! “We’ll probably get there a little early, just after the first week in June. “We’ll have a workout or two on English soil, everybody over here is all smiles and very, very excited for this.”
