Love has been installed as the new ante-post favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe following a dominant display in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks.
Ryan Moore guided the odds-on favourite to a five-length victory over Alpinista in the feature on day two of the Ebor Festival at York.
The win was Love's third Group 1 victory of the season, following successes in the 1000 Guineas and the Epsom Oaks.
And under Moore, the Yorkshire Oaks possibly looked the easiest of the lot.
She's narrowly moved above Enable in the betting for the Arc, with Juddmonte International-winner Ghaiyyath third favourite for the Longchamps showpiece.
Love
🏇 Ten races
🥇 Six victories
✅ Four-time G1 winner
🏆 1000 Guineas
🏆 Oaks
🏆 Yorkshire Oaks
♥️ A superstar
Love is magnificent under Ryan Moore in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks to provide Aidan O'Brien with a fifth success in the G1 event @yorkracecourse @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/9rjCMDVtJO— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 20, 2020
"It was straightforward," Moore told Racing TV after the race, "Realistically it was probably her easiest task for a while, I thought.
"She's running against somewhat unexposed fillies, but they had to step up to run to her level.
"She was very professional, she's a very straightforward filly so it was just business as usual for her today."
Moore also feels Love coped well with the ground at York, which he felt was "a bit dead".
Officially the going there was good (good to soft), and the jockey added, "It was a worry for her. When I rode her in the Debutant last year I thought the ground was a little bit too slow for her.
"She's obviously developed and got a bit stronger and going up in trips possibly helped. I don't think it's her ideal conditions."
Moore says Love's been "exceptional in every start" and admitted the Arc is the goal between now and the end of the season.
"I know it's always been in the back of everyone's minds," he said. 'What are we - we're about six weeks away.
"I suppose it will be depending on how she is and what else comes up between now and then, but I'm sure they'll be thinking about it."
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