Roly Poly, a 2-year-old daughter of prominent juvenile sire War Front, coasted in mid-division early before battling Seafront in the final furlongs to capture the G3 Grangecon Stud Stakes by a neck at the Curragh June 26.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien for Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Mrs. John Magnier, Roly Poly was successful in her first attempt at six furlongs in the Grangecon.
The bay filly showed early promise when she won her debut in a competitive five-furlong maiden event at Naas April 25. She encountered unsuitably soft conditions in her next two starts but still displayed determination when fourth and eighth respectively in the May 21 Listed Marble Hill S. at the Curragh, and the Queen Mary S. (G2) at Royal Ascot, just 11 days prior to the Grangecon.
Bred by Misty For Me Syndicate, Roly Poly is out of four-time Group I winner Misty for Me. O’Brien indicated the filly may point next for the G2 Debutante S. over seven furlongs at the Curragh Aug. 21.
War Front, who stands for $200,000, is represented by five stakes winners this year, including Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup winner Take Cover. Roly Poly became the 44th overall stakes winner and 23rd graded stakes winner for the stallion.