Polo Big Pony #1 Eau de Toilette by Ralph Lauren is a bright woody aromatic fragrance that combines sharp lime and tart grapefruit with a clean green freshness and dry oak-like woods.
Released in 2010, Big Pony #1 was the sporty fragrance within Ralph Lauren’s original Big Pony Collection for men. The collection included four color-coded fragrances created around different personalities, with the blue number-one bottle representing an active, competitive, energetic, and athletic lifestyle.
Big Pony #1 opens with an immediate citrus burst before becoming greener, drier, and woodier. It remains fresh and uncomplicated throughout its development, making it especially suitable for warm weather, offices, workouts, casual weekends, travel, outdoor activities, and everyday use.
The fragrance is especially appealing to men who want something easy to wear without heavy sweetness, dark spice, tobacco, leather, vanilla, or intense projection.
What Does Polo Big Pony #1 Smell Like?
Polo Big Pony #1 smells citrusy, fresh, green, woody, clean, sporty, lightly aquatic, and masculine.
The fragrance opens with lime and grapefruit.
Lime creates the sharpest and most energetic part of the opening.
It may smell:
- Tart
- Zesty
- Green
- Bright
- Slightly bitter
- Freshly squeezed
- Aromatic
- Clean
The lime feels crisper and greener than sweet orange or mandarin. It gives Big Pony #1 an immediate athletic freshness that works particularly well during warm weather.
The lime accord may suggest freshly cut lime peel, citrus zest, a cold lime drink, or clean green citrus rather than lime candy or syrup.
Grapefruit adds a more bitter and slightly juicy citrus effect.
It may smell:
- Tart
- Dry
- Juicy
- Bitter
- Lightly sweet
- Aromatic
- Refreshing
- Masculine
Grapefruit gives the opening additional brightness while preventing the lime from becoming overly sharp.
The combination of lime and grapefruit creates a fast, energetic opening that feels clean and easy to understand. It does not rely on complicated spices, flowers, resins, or gourmand notes.
As the fragrance develops, the citrus becomes softer and a clean green quality begins to emerge.
This green effect may suggest:
- Fresh leaves
- Outdoor air
- Clean grass
- Light aquatic freshness
- Cool vegetation
- A subtle sporty shower-gel effect
- Green woods
- A refreshing breeze
Some descriptions refer to this stage as an aquatic-green accord. The fragrance is not strongly marine, salty, or oceanic, but the clean transparency can create a lightly watery impression.
The fragrance gradually settles into a dry oak-like woody base.
The oak accord may smell:
- Dry
- Clean
- Lightly earthy
- Smooth
- Masculine
- Freshly cut
- Slightly green
- Understated
The wood is not smoky, resinous, dark, or heavy. It provides just enough structure to keep Big Pony #1 from disappearing into a basic citrus body spray.
Some wearers may also experience soft sandalwood-like smoothness or clean musky warmth during the dry down. These impressions are subtle and remain secondary to the citrus and oak character.
Overall, Polo Big Pony #1 smells like tart lime and grapefruit layered over clean green freshness before settling into dry oak and soft masculine woods.
What Are the Notes in Polo Big Pony #1?
Polo Big Pony #1 was released in 2010.
The most consistently recognized note structure is:
Citrus Notes:
Lime, Grapefruit
Woody Note:
Oak
The current South Beach Perfumes presentation expands the scent description as:
Top Notes:
Lime, Grapefruit
Heart Accord:
Aquatic Green Accord
Base Notes:
Oak, Sandalwood, Musk
Lime creates sharp green citrus freshness.
Grapefruit adds tartness and bitter juiciness.
The aquatic-green impression describes the fragrance’s clean and airy middle stage.
Oak provides the dry woody structure.
Sandalwood-like smoothness and musk-like cleanliness may be perceived during the dry down, although lime, grapefruit, and oak are the most consistently documented official notes.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 for Men, Women, or Unisex?
Polo Big Pony #1 is officially marketed as a fragrance for men.
Its grapefruit, lime, sporty bottle design, dry oak, and clean green profile create a traditionally masculine presentation.
However, fragrance does not have strict gender rules. Big Pony #1 may also appeal to anyone who enjoys:
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Clean citrus
- Green fragrances
- Light aquatic scents
- Dry woods
- Low-sweetness fragrances
- Sporty everyday colognes
- Warm-weather scents
- Simple fragrance structures
It is not aggressively masculine, leathery, smoky, tobacco-rich, or heavily spicy.
Its bright citrus and light woods make it relatively easy to share.
How Long Does Polo Big Pony #1 Last?
Polo Big Pony #1 typically lasts approximately four to six hours on most wearers.
The lime and grapefruit are strongest during the opening.
The clean green and lightly aquatic character remains noticeable through the middle.
Oak and soft woody notes create the quieter dry down.
Some wearers may experience closer to three or four hours, particularly during hot outdoor conditions. Others may detect the woody base on clothing beyond six hours.
Performance can vary according to:
- Skin chemistry
- Number of sprays
- Temperature and humidity
- Skin moisture
- Application location
- Whether the cologne is sprayed on clothing
- Individual sensitivity to citrus notes
- Whether the wearer becomes accustomed to the fragrance
- Bottle age and storage condition
Citrus materials naturally evaporate more quickly than vanilla, amber, patchouli, leather, tobacco, or heavy woods.
Because Big Pony #1 is a discontinued Eau de Toilette, some available bottles may also come from older inventory. Proper storage can affect freshness and performance.
To improve longevity:
- Apply it to moisturized skin
- Spray it after showering
- Add one or two light sprays to clothing
- Apply to the chest and back of the neck
- Avoid storing the bottle in a hot bathroom
- Reapply during the afternoon when needed
How Strong Is the Projection?
Polo Big Pony #1 has soft to moderate projection.
The lime and grapefruit create a noticeable citrus burst during approximately the first hour.
The fragrance then becomes more restrained as the green and oak-like notes settle closer to the skin.
Its projection can generally be described as:
Opening: Moderate
Middle: Soft to moderate
Dry Down: Close to the skin
Big Pony #1 is not designed to dominate an entire room or create a powerful scent trail.
Its restrained projection makes it particularly suitable for:
- Offices
- Classrooms
- Airplanes
- Gyms
- Restaurants
- Shared workspaces
- Close customer interactions
- Warm climates
- Fragrance-sensitive environments
- Casual everyday wear
A slightly more generous application may be appropriate outdoors.
What Fragrance Family Is Polo Big Pony #1?
Polo Big Pony #1 belongs primarily to the woody aromatic fragrance family.
It also displays citrus, green, fresh, lightly aquatic, and clean woody characteristics.
Its primary scent qualities include:
- Citrus
- Fresh
- Green
- Woody
- Aromatic
- Lightly aquatic
- Clean
- Tart
- Sporty
- Masculine
- Casual
- Youthful
Lime and grapefruit create the fragrance’s bright identity.
The green accord provides freshness through the middle.
Oak and light woods create the dry foundation.
What Seasons Is Polo Big Pony #1 Best For?
Polo Big Pony #1 is best suited for:
Summer: Excellent
Spring: Excellent
Early Fall: Good
Winter: Best for daytime or indoor wear
Summer is its strongest season.
Lime, grapefruit, green freshness, and light woods feel particularly refreshing during hot and humid conditions.
It works especially well for:
- Beach outings
- Pool days
- Vacations
- Outdoor activities
- Warm-weather travel
- Casual lunches
- Weekend errands
- Workouts
- Daytime dates
- Summer offices
Spring is also excellent because the citrus and green character complement mild weather and outdoor activities.
During early fall, Big Pony #1 can work on warmer days, particularly in southern climates.
In winter, it may feel too light for someone who prefers vanilla, amber, tobacco, leather, spice, or dense woods. It can still work well at the gym, in warm offices, or whenever a fresh fragrance is preferred.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 Better for Daytime or Nighttime?
Polo Big Pony #1 is most naturally suited for daytime wear.
Its citrus, green freshness, and understated woods work especially well for:
- Workdays
- School or college
- Shopping
- Travel
- Workouts
- Outdoor activities
- Lunch dates
- Weekend plans
- Spring outings
- Summer gatherings
- Vacations
- Casual social occasions
It can also work during early evening for:
- Casual dinners
- Movie dates
- Outdoor gatherings
- Vacation evenings
- Informal summer parties
- Relaxed social occasions
For formal dinners, nightlife, or cold-weather romantic occasions, a warmer fragrance with greater spice, sweetness, or depth may create a stronger impression.
What Occasions Should Polo Big Pony #1 Be Worn For?
Polo Big Pony #1 works especially well for:
- Everyday wear
- Office settings
- Business-casual workplaces
- School or college
- Gym sessions
- Post-workout use
- Shopping
- Running errands
- Travel
- Vacations
- Beach outings
- Outdoor activities
- Lunch dates
- Casual dinners
- Weekend gatherings
- Spring and summer events
Its simple and refreshing personality makes it useful when the wearer wants to smell clean without making fragrance the center of attention.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 Good for the Gym?
Yes. Polo Big Pony #1 is a good choice for gym and post-workout use when applied responsibly.
Lime and grapefruit create an energizing effect, while the clean green accord and light woods keep the fragrance fresh.
For gym wear, use approximately two to four sprays:
- One spray on the chest
- One spray on the back of the neck
- One light spray on each shoulder or forearm
Avoid applying it heavily before intense exercise, particularly in a crowded indoor gym.
Fragrance should complement good hygiene rather than replace showering or deodorant.
What Age Range Is Polo Big Pony #1 Best Suited For?
Polo Big Pony #1 is especially well suited for men approximately 16 to 35, although fragrance has no true age restriction.
Teenagers and younger men may appreciate its sporty bottle, fresh citrus, approachable personality, and easy daily wearability.
Men in their twenties, thirties, forties, and beyond may enjoy it as:
- A gym fragrance
- A casual office cologne
- A vacation scent
- A warm-weather daily fragrance
- A nostalgic Big Pony Collection release
- A simple citrus alternative to heavier colognes
It feels youthful without smelling childish.
The oak and woody base give it more structure than a basic citrus body spray.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 Office Appropriate?
Yes. Polo Big Pony #1 is highly office appropriate.
Its lime, grapefruit, clean green accord, and soft woody base create a fresh professional impression without becoming heavy or distracting.
For office wear, use approximately four to six sprays:
- One spray on each side of the neck
- One or two sprays on the chest
- One spray on the back of the neck
- One optional light spray on clothing
Use fewer sprays in:
- Medical environments
- Airplanes
- Small meeting rooms
- Shared offices
- Fragrance-sensitive workplaces
- Close customer interactions
Its light citrus-woody character works particularly well in business-casual offices, warm climates, professional travel, and summer work settings.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 Good for Dates?
Yes. Polo Big Pony #1 is a good fragrance for daytime dates and casual warm-weather occasions.
Lime and grapefruit create a clean and energetic first impression.
The green middle stage makes the fragrance feel relaxed and outdoorsy.
Oak and light woods give the dry down a subtle masculine character.
It works especially well for:
- Lunch dates
- Coffee dates
- Beach dates
- Outdoor dates
- Movie dates
- Casual dinners
- Vacation dates
- Spring outings
- Summer activities
- Relaxed weekend plans
Polo Big Pony #1 creates an impression that feels:
- Fresh
- Masculine
- Clean
- Sporty
- Approachable
- Energetic
- Youthful
- Relaxed
Five to seven sprays are generally sufficient for a casual outdoor date.
For a formal dinner or cold-weather romantic occasion, a richer fragrance may be more memorable.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 a Safe Blind Buy?
Polo Big Pony #1 is a relatively safe blind buy for men who enjoy simple citrus and woody fragrances.
It may be a good blind buy if you enjoy:
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Green fragrances
- Light aquatic freshness
- Dry oak
- Soft woods
- Clean everyday colognes
- Sporty scents
- Warm-weather fragrances
- Office-friendly projection
- Youthful designer fragrances
- Uncomplicated scent profiles
It may be less suitable as a blind buy if you dislike:
- Sharp citrus
- Grapefruit bitterness
- Lime
- Light fragrances
- Soft projection
- Shorter citrus longevity
- Sporty fragrance styles
- Fragrances that require reapplication
- Discontinued products
Someone expecting the richness of original Polo Green, Polo Red, or a modern Parfum may find Big Pony #1 significantly lighter and simpler.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 Sweet?
Polo Big Pony #1 has very little sweetness.
Its slight fruitiness comes from lime and grapefruit, but both notes are tart and bitter rather than sugary.
The fragrance does not prominently feature:
- Vanilla
- Caramel
- Tonka bean
- Praline
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Sweet amber
- Syrupy fruit
Oak and green notes keep the fragrance dry, clean, and woody.
It is a strong option for someone who wants freshness without gourmand sweetness.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 Aquatic?
Polo Big Pony #1 can have a light aquatic or watery effect, although it is not primarily a marine fragrance.
It does not strongly smell like:
- Salt water
- Seaweed
- Ocean spray
- Mineral ambergris
- A realistic shoreline
Its aquatic impression comes from the fragrance’s clean transparency and green freshness between the citrus opening and woody base.
It is better described as a citrus woody fragrance with a lightly aquatic-green middle.
Does Polo Big Pony #1 Smell Strongly Like Grapefruit?
Yes. Grapefruit is one of Polo Big Pony #1’s most recognizable notes.
The grapefruit may smell:
- Tart
- Bitter
- Juicy
- Dry
- Fresh
- Aromatic
- Lightly sweet
It appears alongside lime, making the opening sharper and greener than a fragrance built around orange or mandarin.
The grapefruit becomes softer as the oak and clean woody notes develop.
Does Polo Big Pony #1 Smell Like the Original Polo?
No. Polo Big Pony #1 is very different from the original Polo Eau de Toilette, commonly called Polo Green.
Polo Big Pony #1
Polo Big Pony #1 emphasizes:
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Clean green freshness
- Oak
- Light woods
It is fresh, citrusy, sporty, youthful, and warm-weather oriented.
Original Polo
Original Polo combines herbs, juniper, pine needles, leather, tobacco, oakmoss, patchouli, cedarwood, vetiver, musk, and amber.
It is darker, greener, leathery, tobacco-rich, mossy, mature, and best suited to cool weather.
Someone who enjoys original Polo should not assume Big Pony #1 smells like a lighter concentration of it.
They are completely separate fragrances.
What Fragrances Smell Similar to Polo Big Pony #1?
No fragrance smells exactly like Polo Big Pony #1, but these three fragrances from the South Beach Perfumes catalog share aspects of its citrus, green freshness, light woods, sporty character, or warm-weather versatility.
Polo Sport Fresh by Ralph Lauren
Polo Sport Fresh is one of the closest alternatives for someone who enjoys Big Pony #1’s light, clean, athletic personality.
It combines sea notes, mint, mandarin orange, sage, iris, and woody notes.
Both fragrances are:
- Fresh
- Sporty
- Clean
- Light
- Warm-weather friendly
- Office appropriate
- Casual
- Easy to wear
Polo Sport Fresh is mintier, more aquatic, more marine, and softer through iris.
Big Pony #1 is more citrusy, tarter, drier, and more focused on lime, grapefruit, and oak.
Choose Polo Sport Fresh for mint, sea notes, and a cooling aquatic effect.
Choose Big Pony #1 for sharp citrus, grapefruit, and dry woods.
Nautica Voyage
Nautica Voyage shares Big Pony #1’s green freshness, clean aquatic effect, light woods, approachable projection, and casual warm-weather character.
Nautica Voyage combines green apple, green leaves, lotus, mimosa, musk, cedarwood, oakmoss, and amber.
Both fragrances are:
- Fresh
- Green
- Clean
- Affordable
- Office friendly
- Gym friendly
- Suitable for spring and summer
- Easy to wear
Nautica Voyage is fruitier, softer, more aquatic, and more musky.
Big Pony #1 is sharper, more citrusy, drier, and more grapefruit-focused.
Choose Nautica Voyage for green apple, lotus, and clean musk.
Choose Big Pony #1 for lime, grapefruit, and dry oak.
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme shares Big Pony #1’s sharp citrus, clean freshness, light aquatic quality, and woody masculine finish.
It combines yuzu, lemon, bergamot, herbs, calone, water lily, lotus, spices, sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood, musk, and amber.
Both fragrances offer:
- Bright citrus
- Clean freshness
- Light watery effects
- Dry woods
- Spring and summer versatility
- Office-friendly wearability
L’Eau d’Issey is sharper, more complex, spicier, and more strongly centered on yuzu and watery flowers.
Big Pony #1 is simpler, sportier, and more focused on lime, grapefruit, and oak.
Choose L’Eau d’Issey for refined citrus, aquatic flowers, spice, and woods.
Choose Big Pony #1 for uncomplicated sporty freshness.
What Is the Difference Between the Big Pony Fragrances for Men?
The original Big Pony Collection for Men contained four separate fragrances. Each number represented a different personality and color.
Big Pony #1
The blue fragrance represents the sporty personality.
It features:
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Oak
It is citrusy, fresh, woody, energetic, and designed for casual daytime wear.
Big Pony #2
The red fragrance represents the seductive personality.
It features dark chocolate and musk.
It is sweeter, warmer, darker, and more naturally suited to dates and evening wear.
Big Pony #3
The green fragrance represents the adventurous personality.
It features mint and ginger.
It is fresher, spicier, greener, and more aromatic than Big Pony #1.
Big Pony #4
The orange fragrance represents the stylish personality.
It features pink grapefruit and kyara wood.
It is citrusy and woody like Big Pony #1, but generally feels warmer, smoother, and less sharply lime-focused.
Different Bottle Sizes
Different bottle sizes of Polo Big Pony #1 Eau de Toilette contain the same fragrance concentration.
The current South Beach Perfumes listing is for the 1.7 oz spray.
A larger bottle provides more fragrance but does not contain a stronger formula.
Learn more about fragrance concentrations.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 Discontinued?
Yes. Polo Big Pony #1 is generally considered discontinued.
The original Big Pony Collection for Men is no longer featured within Ralph Lauren Fragrances’ current main assortment.
Authentic bottles remain available through:
- South Beach Perfumes
- Fragrance discount retailers
- Remaining distributor inventory
- Marketplace sellers
- Collector channels
- Boxed and unboxed inventory
Because Big Pony #1 is discontinued:
- Availability may decrease over time
- Certain sizes may become difficult to locate
- Prices may fluctuate
- Older and later packaging may coexist
- Remaining inventory may sell out without warning
- Storage condition can affect citrus freshness
- A retailer having stock does not prove active production
Customers who consider Big Pony #1 a favorite may want to purchase an authentic bottle while their preferred size remains available.
When Was Polo Big Pony #1 Released?
Polo Big Pony #1 was released in 2010.
It launched as part of the original Big Pony Collection for Men, which included four fragrances designed around different personalities.
Big Pony #1 represented the sporty and competitive personality.
Its concept centered on:
- Athletic energy
- Competition
- Movement
- Youthful confidence
- Casual style
- Warm-weather activity
- Team sports
- Outdoor living
- Clean masculinity
- Everyday freshness
The bright blue bottle, yellow number one, and oversized Polo player logo were inspired by the bold colors and numbered shirts associated with polo uniforms.
Who Created Polo Big Pony #1?
A dependable individual perfumer credit for Polo Big Pony #1 could not be confirmed through Ralph Lauren or another authoritative primary source.
The fragrance’s recognized composition centers on:
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Oak
Because no reliable perfumer attribution was located, it would be inaccurate to assign Big Pony #1 to a specific creator.
The fragrance’s defining achievement is its simplicity: sharp citrus freshness followed by a dry and approachable woody base.
How Many Sprays of Polo Big Pony #1 Should Be Used?
For most situations, use approximately five to eight sprays.
Office or close indoor setting: Three to five sprays
Everyday daytime wear: Five to seven sprays
Gym or post-workout use: Two to four sprays
Outdoor spring or summer event: Six to eight sprays
Casual date: Five to seven sprays
Reapplication: Two to four sprays as needed
A balanced application may include:
- One spray on each side of the neck
- Two sprays on the chest
- One spray on the back of the neck
- One spray on each forearm
- One optional light spray on clothing
Because Big Pony #1 has soft-to-moderate performance, a slightly more generous application may be appropriate outdoors.
Avoid excessive application in airplanes, medical environments, small offices, restaurants, gyms, or fragrance-sensitive settings.
Is Polo Big Pony #1 Authentic?
Yes. The Polo Big Pony #1 offered by South Beach Perfumes is an authentic Ralph Lauren fragrance.
South Beach Perfumes sells authentic, original brand-name perfumes and colognes sourced through established fragrance distribution channels.
Authentic Big Pony #1 bottles may display differences based on:
- Production year
- Bottle size
- Packaging generation
- Regional distribution
- Batch-code placement
- Label formatting
- Country-specific packaging
- Retail, tester, or unboxed format
- Remaining distributor inventory
- Long-term storage
These normal production and packaging differences do not automatically indicate that a fragrance is counterfeit.
Because Big Pony #1 is discontinued, remaining bottles may come from different production periods or regional markets.
Learn more about our product guarantee policy.
Who Should Buy Polo Big Pony #1?
Polo Big Pony #1 is an excellent choice for someone who:
- Enjoys lime fragrances
- Likes grapefruit
- Prefers dry citrus
- Enjoys clean green accords
- Likes oak and light woods
- Wants a spring or summer fragrance
- Needs an office-friendly cologne
- Wants a gym or travel scent
- Prefers soft-to-moderate projection
- Likes sporty designer fragrances
- Wants an uncomplicated everyday scent
- Collects discontinued Ralph Lauren fragrances
- Prefers freshness over sweetness
- Wants a casual warm-weather cologne
- Enjoys youthful fragrance styles
It is especially suitable for someone seeking a tart citrus fragrance with clean greenery, dry oak, and an easy athletic personality.
Who May Not Like Polo Big Pony #1?
Polo Big Pony #1 may not be the best choice for someone who:
- Dislikes lime
- Avoids grapefruit
- Does not enjoy bitter citrus
- Wants very strong projection
- Expects all-day longevity
- Prefers sweet vanilla fragrances
- Loves tobacco or leather
- Wants a cold-weather fragrance
- Prefers dark or formal colognes
- Wants a complex fragrance
- Dislikes sporty scent profiles
- Does not want to reapply fragrance
- Avoids discontinued products
- Wants a fragrance that is easy to replace
- Prefers rich amber or spice
Its lime, grapefruit, green freshness, and light oak may feel too simple or sharp for someone seeking sweetness, richness, darkness, or powerful performance.
Final South Beach Perfumes Expert Review
Polo Big Pony #1 Eau de Toilette by Ralph Lauren is a simple and energetic citrus-woody fragrance that captures the sporty personality of the original Big Pony Collection.
The opening combines lime and grapefruit.
Lime creates sharp green freshness, while grapefruit adds tartness, bitterness, and juicy citrus energy.
The fragrance then becomes cleaner and greener, creating a lightly aquatic and outdoorsy effect.
The dry down is subtle and straightforward.
Oak provides dry woody structure, while soft sandalwood-like and musky impressions may give the base additional smoothness.
Its greatest strength is usability.
Big Pony #1 works well for offices, workouts, errands, travel, vacations, outdoor activities, school, casual dates, spring weather, and summer heat.
It smells fresh without becoming heavily aquatic, woody without becoming dark, and youthful without resembling a basic deodorant spray.
Its uncomplicated structure also makes it easy to wear without careful planning.
Its primary limitation is performance.
Most wearers should expect approximately four to six hours, with projection becoming soft after the opening. Reapplication may be necessary during a long day.
Its simplicity may also disappoint fragrance enthusiasts seeking major development, rich ingredients, or a distinctive dry down.
Discontinued status is another consideration. Authentic bottles remain available, but preferred sizes may become harder to locate over time.
The current South Beach Perfumes note list may also create slightly different expectations. Lime, grapefruit, and oak are the most consistently documented notes, while aquatic greenery, sandalwood, and musk are better treated as scent impressions or supporting accords.
For men who enjoy lime, grapefruit, clean green freshness, oak, light woods, and sporty warm-weather fragrances, Polo Big Pony #1 remains an approachable and nostalgic Ralph Lauren cologne.
South Beach Perfumes Expert Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Explore our Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Signature Scent to discover the fragrance families, notes, seasons, occasions, and scent personalities that best match your individual style.
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