Minding has overcame adversity to become the first filly since Kazzia in 2002 to claim the 1000 Guineas-Epsom Oaks double.
There was a sense of joy and relief on the face of trainer Aidan O’Brien as Minding regained her air of invincibility after a surprise defeat in the Irish 1000 Guineas.
Looking relaxed and settled in the build-up to the race, the 10-11 favourite – one of three runners in the race for O’Brien – was settled close to the rear of the field by Ryan Moore in her quest to give O’Brien a sixth win in the race.
Those patient tactics looked like backfiring on the turn for home as horses up front weakened, stopping Minding in her tracks at a vital stage.
As Moore had to sit and suffer, at the other end of the field Frankie Dettori stormed on aboard Architecture.
Crucially, though, the gaps came for Moore, and Minding closed down the 12-1 shot entering the final quarter of a mile (400m).
Minding forged on in determined fashion to pass the post with 1-3/4 lengths to spare.
“She’s an incredible filly, what can I say?” O’Brien said.
“To win the Guineas the way she did, then run at the Curragh on short notice. That didn’t work, but she came out of it and she was incredible.
“She has speed, class, stamina, a great mind – everything. Ryan did brilliant to win on her after what she went through.
“Real heart, courage and guts had to come into it, but she had it in abundance, like all the Galileos.
“After what we went through two weeks ago we’re delighted to be here.”
Minding has been cut from 12-1 to 5-1 for the Arc with Paddy Power, while Ladbrokes have her at 8-1.
