LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) - Love won the English 1000 Guineas on Sunday at Newmarket to give trainer Aidan O'Brien his sixth win in the race.
Ryan Moore took control in the final furlong, forging clear of longtime leader Cloak of Spirits while favourite Quadrilateral was third.
Love's victory was O'Brien's fourth win in the last five runnings of the race and her performance shot her to favouritism for the Oaks, which is half a mile longer, on July 4 at Epsom.
Moore and his mount returned to an empty winners’ enclosure. No spectators are allowed under regulations put in place when racing resumed after being shut down by the coronavirus pandemic from March 17 until last Monday.
O'Brien watched the race from his stables in Ireland.
"I am delighted with that performance," O'Brien told broadcaster ITV.
"She ran a great race and the obvious target is the Oaks."
After winning the race for the fourth time, Moore said they had always thought a lot of the horse after an impressive campaign as a two-year-old last year.
"She is a very uncomplicated filly and a dream to ride," he said.
"She had the race under control early on and it was very straightforward.
"I think it very possible she will stay further."
