Royal Ascot could be the scene of a notable win for American Rascal (Picture: Getty)
Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde and Billy the Kid were all wrong ‘uns with dubious characters immortalised in film and folklore across the other side of the Atlantic.
They rank among a pantheon of rogues and villains spanning a couple of centuries who have become household names in this country as well because of their errant ways.
American Rascal will hit the headlines after winning the Norfolk Stakes, a five-furlong cavalry charge which greyhound owner General George Custer would have enjoyed, which opens race day three of Royal Ascot.
Brought across the pond by trainer Wesley A Ward, the two-year-old made a huge impact the only time he stepped onto the track, winning on the Keeneland dirt at the end of April by more than ten lengths.
It needs some faith that he will take to Ascot’s lush turf but Ward is no stranger to the Berkshire racecourse’s monstrous event and has enjoyed success in this meeting before.
He has won the Norfolk twice before with No Nay Never in 2013 and Shang Shang Shang five years later so if he believes American Rascal will adapt then it’s time to sit up and take notice.
The winner is given automatic entry to the lucrative Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf on November 3 and Ward is bullish about the chances of the first foal of brilliant sprinter Lady Aurelia, who is one of his 12 previous winners at this meeting.
American Rascal is right in the Norfolk mix along with Karl Burke’s Elite Status, who celebrated success at Sandown and Doncaster last month.
Those two wins have placed him as favourite but our selection can put him in the shadow on what promises to be another scorching day at 9/2 with Betfair, Betway and numerous others.
Charlie Appleby can enjoy more success at Ascot (Picture: Getty)
Tagabawa’s win at Kempton last time out has been boosted by wins for a couple placed behind him and he can take the King George V Stakes for the combination of jockey William Buick and trainer Charlie Appleby at 9/2 with William Hill while QAl Asifah, a daughter of the legendary Frankel, is the obvious choice in the Ribblesdale at 4/5 with Sporting Index.
The feature race on day three is the Ascot Gold Cup and Coltrane can take his splendid record to eight wins for Andrew balding with Oisin Murphy in the saddle at 7/2 with Ladbrokes, Coral and William Hill.
Tommy Fleetwood, who went so close at the US Open, can gain his first PGA Tour win at the Travelers at 30/1 with Sky Bet. Also go eacyh-way with Viktor Hovland, Colin Morikawa and Tony Finau at 18/1, 22/1 and 30/1 with the same firm.
Carlos Alcaraz is 6/5 with bet365 to beat Jiri Lehecka by over 4.5 games at Queen’s.
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The two-year-old has already made an impact.
