York Races: Love cruises to smooth success in Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks at Ebor Festival to set up Arc clash with Enable
THERE may as well have been two Yorkshire Oaks run at York.
One for Love and one for her five so-called rivals. Only then would they have stood any chance of getting their hands on the Group 1.
There was no Enable and nothing like the challenge like she’ll face in the Arc come the Autumn, but Love was magnificent.
Aidan O’Brien’s double Classic winner dominated from the off. Tracking the steady gallop set by Manuela De Vega, she merely had to kick into mid-gear to see them off.
In truth we learnt little. We already knew she would be Arc-bound if all was well.
We knew Galileo produces the best after the best and we knew Ryan Moore is as good as there’s been on the big stage.
And now that stage moves to Longchamp. Enable will have to produce the run of her life to beat Love, with her generous weight allowances in tow.
The bookies eventually decided they couldn’t split the pair. 5-2 Love. 5-2 Enable. France here we come.
But Moore even struck up a smile in the aftermath – not something you always see.
But this horse could yet be one of the best he’s partnered. She’s yet to be truly tested at three.
“That was just business as usual for her today,” Moore said.
“She was very professional, she’s just very straightforward filly.
“The ground was a bit of a worry for her, but she’s developed and got a bit stronger since last year clearly.
“She’s been exceptional every start. The Arc has always been in the back of everyone’s minds and that’s about six weeks away now.
“It’s not for me to decide but I imagine that’s where she’ll be headed.”