Love progressed on her juvenile form to land the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket at odds of 4/1 on Sunday.
The Galileo filly became the fourth winner of this Rowley Mile Classic for trainer Aidan O’Brien in five seasons and sixth overall.
Only third in the Fillies’ Mile over course and distance behind 1000 Guineas favourite Quadrilateral last time out, Love turned the tables on that rival here.
Cloak Of Spirits for Richard Hannon and Andrea Atzeni split the Irish raider and Roger Charlton’s leading fancy for second.
Once the stamina of Love kicked in when asked by jockey Ryan Moore, she put the race to bed. She ran out a ready 4 1/4 lengths winner.
Two big outsiders filled the minor places in the 1000 Guineas. Godolphin’s 100/1 shot Final Song ran fourth just ahead of 200/1 chance Romsey for trainer Hughie Morrison.
Raffle Prize was the gamble of this Classic, going off at 9/2 after being 12/1 at the start of Guineas Weekend. Mark Johnston’s filly didn’t stay, however, and finished last.
Reigning champion jockey Oisin Murphy, who earlier rode a Listed race double, tried to add to his 2000 Guineas success aboard Kameko with Millisle.
Also sent off at 4/1, Jessica Harrington’s filly could only come a 10-length seventh. Thoughts now turn to Epsom Downs and The Oaks on 4 July for Love.
She is now the 7/4 favourite (and as short as 11/8) with bookmakers for the 1m 4f Classic if stepped up in trip. Given her breeding, that is the likely next option.
Analysis: Love delivers while others disappoint in 1000 Guineas
Jamie Clark, Horsebetting.com Editor
Every market principal apart from Love ran below expectations on the Rowley Mile. Some simply didn’t have the stamina for a Classic like Raffle Prize despite the major plunge from punters.
Given the fine form Murphy showed in the saddle earlier in the day, Millisle was another who disappointed. Getting the trip was a concern, but for all Harrington’s bullishness in the build-up she didn’t appear to after making no impression.
Quadrilateral made the frame, but more was needed. Charlton did have a couple of winners in the week, but fellow big gun Withhold also failed to fire in the Sagaro Stakes at Newcastle.
Love is not exactly a value ante post bet for The Oaks. It’s a logical step for anything sired by Galileo to go on to Epsom.
An equally eye-catching performance from runaway Pretty Polly Stakes scorer Run Wild will have her supporters at the odds on offer.
Each of the last six Epsom Oaks winners have either been trained by O’Brien or John Gosden. Run Wild hails from the latter’s yard, and her 3 3/4 lengths win in Listed company brings a best-price 14/1 Classic quote with it.
The pedigree doesn’t guarantee getting a mile-and-a-half like Galileo’s progeny, so Gosden has ruled out a tilt at Epsom.
Love ticks plenty of boxes for The Oaks, but there is always the question of whether Epsom Downs suits horses. Not all take to the undulations and helter skelter nature of the track.
O’Brien stable companion Peaceful has also come in for support in the ante post betting on this Classic. We will know more about The Oaks after the Irish 1000 Guineas next weekend and Royal Ascot thereafter.
