Gstaad form franked as stablemate True Love justifies favouritism in Queen Mary

True Love gave Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore a second two-year-old winner of the week at Royal Ascot with an authoritative performance in the Queen Mary Stakes.

Second to subsequent Coventry Stakes winner Gstaad on her previous outing, True Love asserted in the closing stages having been taken off her feet in the opening couple of furlongs.

However, as the race reached its closing stage, True Love began to pull herself back into the race and came to the fore at the furlong pole. At that point, she was comfortably holding her rivals all the way to the line.

True Love was introduced at 20-1 for next year's 1,000 Guineas with William Hill.

Second place went to Flowerhead, a 100-1 shot for rookie trainer Charlie Clover, while Lennilu claimed third.

The race, however, was marred by Harry’s Girl pulling up with a fatal injury. It was a second high-profile juvenile injury at a major meeting this year for trainer Richard Hannon, whose Norman’s Cay was euthanised at Epsom this month.

What the winning trainer said

Aidan O’Brien: "She was second to a good filly first time and then our own colt beat her last time. Ryan gave her a lovely ride, and Michael [Tabor] always loved her. It’s marvellous. She’s like a four-year-old really. She’s a big, mature, strong filly and something to look forward to."

What the winning rider/owner said

Ryan Moore, jockey: “She’s a tall, scopey girl. She’ll be better suited when she goes six. She looked a bit different to the others at the start. She’s a No Nay Never, and they’re usually big, strong, powerful, fast two-year-olds. The form was there."

Michael Tabor, co-owner: "I believe she stood out amongst all the other fillies. We were pretty confident today. Aidan always said she was very fast, but in fact she probably wants a little further. The great thing about it is that the mother is in foal to City Of Troy, and the sister to Wootton Bassett."

Race in images

True Love asserts in the final furlong of the Queen MaryCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

True Love and Ryan Moore pass the winning postCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

True Love and Ryan Moore are led in front of the stands after victory in the day two openerCredit: Patrick McCann

Ryan Moore gives True Love a pat back in the winner's enclosureCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Ryan Moore talks with Tom Magnier after True Love's winCredit: Patrick McCann

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