Love, a winner of six of her 10 career starts will not be entered in this year’s Breeders’ Cup. (Photo credit: British Champions Series).
Many had expected that Love would be contesting the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe in Paris most recently, when heading in as the ante-post favourite. However, she was taken out of the race in a last-minute decision from her trainer, Aiden O’Brien. This was due to the unsuitable heavy conditions, which were set for Longchamp. That then appeared positive news for the Breeders’ Cup, with Europe’s leading three-year-old filly, then set to contest next month’s Breeders’ Cup turf at Keeneland. She had already been put in as the short-priced favourite, which will come as no surprise to those who have followed her this season. This was then going to be one of the most anticipated racing fixtures of the year and is again set to be hugely popular at Delaware horse racing sites, which are always offering a host of bonuses ahead of the meeting. However, this now appears to be off, with Love now not taking her chance in the US.
Love entered the current campaign, following a strong two-year-old season. This saw her make seven starts, which saw her continuing to improve. That period included three victories, which included a Group three at Leopardstown and the Group one Moyglare stud stakes at the Curragh. Love was then beaten on her last start of her two-year-old season at Newmarket but again ran an encouraging race, finishing in third and being beaten just under two lengths.
Following a 240-day break, Love finally returned to the racetrack, as she contested the Group one Qipco 1000 Guineas stakes at Newmarket. Sent off as the well backed second favourite, Love sat towards the rear in the early period of the race. She then continued to make steady headway through the field, before being shaken up from over two furlongs. Love was then ridden to lead from just over a furlong out under Ryan Moore and powered clear very impressively to win by just very four lengths. This was an eye-catching performance from the horse and clearly stamped her down as much improved.
Love conquers all! ??
A fantastic run from Love in the hands of Ryan Moore for Aidan O’Brien who triumphs again with a back to back win in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas Stakes. pic.twitter.com/Qbxxt7RhRU
— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) June 7, 2020
The following month Love returned to contest the Group one Investec Oaks at Epsom. She was sent off as the short-priced favourite and duly obliged to land yet another classic for connections. Love again made strong headway through the field, before being ridden to lead from two furlongs out. She then ran on very strongly, to clear away and win impressively by nine lengths. It was another much-improved display.
Love conquers all!
First the Guineas, now the Investec Oaks at @EpsomRacecourse #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/js7QGVlagC
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) July 4, 2020
