LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT ASCOT WITH TRUE ROMANCE

THIS is a rare omission from Aidan O'Brien's CV and he can set the record straight courtesy of TRUE LOVE.

- RORY DELARGY

Runner-up on both starts to date, True Love improved from debut and was collared late by stablemate Gstaad in a 5f180y maiden at Navan on her second outing. The winner won the Coventry Stakes yesterday and the pair pulled almost four lengths clear, so I'd be taking plenty of positives from that outing, for all she was beaten favourite on the day.

In my view, True Love was just outstayed and the drop back to 5f looks ideal. Her second to Lady Iman on debut has worked out well, with that filly (who had an experience edge) winning a Group 3 at Naas subsequently, while she was just ahead of the aforementioned Power Blue in that contest.

She showed good speed to go clear over a furlong out at Navan before Gstaad ran her down and the collateral form gives her a similar chance to the hot favourite.

ONCE again, the high numbers proved best on both straight and round courses at Ascot yesterday, despite the going stick readings suggesting the far side was quicker, and I'd expect a similar story on day two of the meeting.