U S Navy Flag was sent off as the betting favorite in the Plusvital Round Tower Stakes (G3) at the Curragh, and he did not disappoint. Leading all the way, the 2-year-old War Front colt pulled away from his rivals to win by six lengths.
“You’d be delighted with him,” said winning trainer Aidan O’Brien. “He’s a fast horse, and he keeps going. I’d imagine he’ll go for the Middle Park or something like that. I’d say that’s where he’ll probably go. Good ground is only an advantage. I wouldn’t think he’s a soft ground horse, as he’s a very good mover and he’s fast.”
U S Navy Flag, who races for Coolmore, was second in the Arqana July Stakes (G2) at Newmarket in July. He came into the Round Tower off of a strong fourth-place finish in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1).
Out of the multiple Group 1-winning mare Misty For Me, U S Navy Flag is a full brother to multiple Group 1 winner Roly Poly, who has won the Prix Rothschild (G1) and Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (G1) this year.
War Front has 24 stakes horses to his credit this year, including additional G1 winner American Patriot. North America’s #1 sire of stakes winners in 2016, War Front stands for $250,000 at Claiborne.