Dual Classic heroine Love returns with Lord North a key absentee due to ground

4.20 Royal Ascot
Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) | 1m2f | 4yo+ | ITV/Sky

Last season was all about Enable's bid for a historic third Arc, yet the wondermare's trainer John Gosden thought Love was the one they all had to beat.

It is easy to see why. She was imperious in three wins, landing the 1,000 Guineas by four and a quarter lengths, the Oaks by what was until this year's renewal considered an impressive winning margin of nine lengths and recorded a five-length rout of five rivals in the Yorkshire Oaks.

She looked an absolute superstar, but we were denied confirmation of her brilliance by the Longchamp ground and then contaminated feed ruled the O'Brien battalions out.

The ground this season has seen her return to the course delayed on several occasions, with the Mooresbridge Stakes, Tattersalls Gold Cup and Coronation Cup coming and going without arguably the most talented horse in training turning up.

But with the sun shining and the word soft missing from the going description, Love is finally back on track. She has a 300-day absence to overcome. She faces colts, and a field of predominantly older horses, for the first time. This is her first start at a mile and a quarter. There are question marks, sure, but there is also a sense of anticipation.

That anticipation might already be expectation had we seen her in 2021, but out of sight is out of mind. Snowfall's sensational 16-length success in the Oaks has left Love with a point to prove. She has the potential to be the best O'Brien has ever trained and light up the season, but she might not even be the best filly at Ballydoyle.

Her reappearance task was made easier on Wednesday morning when last year's winner Lord North was taken out on account of the ground.

"Love is ready to start and we're looking forward to seeing her," said O'Brien, who also saddles the third favourite Armory. "She's been ready to start a few times but the ground just hasn't been right for her.

"We were planning on starting her earlier but every time we looked at running her it seemed to be coming up soft. She's been away a few times and seems to be in good form – she looks to be doing everything well so far."

On his other runner Armory, an impressive three-length winner of the Huxley Stakes on his reappearance this season, Ireland's perennial champion trainer was positive. If Love were to be undercooked for whatever reason, O'Brien knows he has her able sidekick cherry ripe.

He came up short at this level in two attempts last season, and that has to be a nagging doubt, but a third and second in the Irish Champion Stakes and Cox Plate convince he is up to this level and he looked to have taken another step forward for another winter on his back with an authoritative display at Chester last time.

"It looks like ten furlongs on nice ground is what suits Armory," added O'Brien. "He ran at Chester with a view to coming back here. We were delighted with him last time."

4.20 Royal Ascot: can Love buck the trends for a winning return? Graeme Rodway says it's a big ask (Members' Club)

What they say

James Fanshawe, trainer of Audarya
It's a tough introduction for her, but it would have been tough going to Ireland first time out too and I wanted to keep her against her own age group. She's very tough and hardy, as she showed when losing only ten kilos on that long trip to Keeneland and back, via Chicago. She outstayed them in the Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland, and that was just one of those days when everything went right. We thought she had a terrible draw, but Pierre-Charles Boudot gave her an amazing ride.

Audarya: hasn't been seen since running at KeenelandCredit: Scott Serio

William Haggas, trainer of My Oberon
He's got quite a lot to find, but he likes fast ground. It's a strong race and he's entitled to be there. He ran very well last time and we're putting on cheekpieces to try to find a little bit of improvement.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Juddmonte, owners of Sangarius
He ran a brave race from the front on very soft ground in the Brigadier Gerard and he will appreciate the faster ground here. I appreciate it's a big step up in opposition, but he's already a Listed and Group 3 winner and this was the best option for him.

David Simcock, trainer of Desert Encounter
He'll turn up, run his race and hopefully pick up the pieces and grab some prize-money. He's showing all of his old enthusiasm, even at nine, but we're aware there will be better opportunities throughout the year.

Wednesday's Royal Ascot previews:

2.30 Royal Ascot: Wesley Ward all smiles as he unleashes his 'best five-furlong horse' in Queen Mary

3.05 Royal Ascot: Ballydoyle battalions primed to give Aidan O'Brien a ninth win in Queen's Vase

3.40 Royal Ascot: can any rivals throw down a challenge to 'enormously exciting' Lady Bowthorpe?

5.00 Royal Ascot: Richard Birch believes one side of the track holds the key to the Royal Hunt Cup

5.35 Royal Ascot: follow the market and you won't go far wrong with Ward's Royal Ascot juveniles

6.10 Royal Ascot: 'She has a cracking chance' – find out which trainer has high hopes of a winner

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