If Aidan O’Brien is to finally establish a new world record for top-level wins in a season, he will owe no small debt to star filly ROLY POLY - not to mention her dam Misty For Me (IRE) - after a third Group 1 of the campaign in the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

When historians look back on Ballydoyle’s achievements in 2017, it will be perfectly understandable if Winter (IRE) is the first filly that springs to mind with four major titles accrued, including two Classics. On two of those occasions, ROLY POLY ran second, in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and in the Coronation Stakes, and was beaten an aggregate of over seven lengths. As such, prior to last weekend’s triumph, Winter (IRE) carried an international rating of 119 against the 114 accorded to ROLY POLY.

But ROLY POLY is a class act in her own right and it would be a shame if a hat-trick of Group 1 wins was overshadowed by the deeds of a freakish stable companion. What is just as admirable is her constitution to contest seven consecutive Group 1 races from May to October and to keep posting improved performances, the latest of which defeated Persuasive (IRE) at the weekend.

It was the second Saturday in a row that a foal from the dam Misty For Me (IRE) won big down the Rowley Mile after US NAVY FLAG, the full brother to ROLY POLY, won the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes a week earlier.

ROLY POLY is entered for both the Champion Stakes and the QEII Stakes on British Champions Day on October 21st, but also the US$2 million Longines Distaff at Del Mar on Friday, November 3rd.