Horse Racing News: Porta Fortuna Aims to Cap Stellar First Half at Newmarket
Newmarket, UK – Royal Ascot heroine Porta Fortuna has the chance to crown a superb first half of the summer when she takes on her elders for the first time in the Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.
Trained by Donnacha O’Brien, the star filly proved she was the cream of the Classic crop when winning a red-hot renewal of the Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting. Now, she faces a more experienced cast of rivals on the July course.
“She’s in good form and everything has gone well since Ascot – we’re very happy with her,” said O’Brien. “The Coronation Stakes was probably as strong a fillies’ race as you could have, and she proved herself top class.”
Also on the scoresheet at Royal Ascot was the John and Thady Gosden-trained Running Lion, who roared back to her best in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes. Jockey Oisin Murphy is confident the four-year-old can repeat the feat in the British Champions Series event.
“She was an impressive winner at Ascot,” said Murphy. “A mile is probably her minimum distance, and it won’t be to her disadvantage if the ground is on the easy side at Newmarket.”
Joseph O’Brien’s Rogue Millennium will be looking to regain her winning touch after two defeats this term, while Irish challengers Magical Sunset and A Lilac Rolla also feature in the Falmouth Stakes line-up.
Elsewhere on Friday, Royal Ascot runner-up Mighty Eriu takes on the likes of Heavens Gate and Mountain Breeze in the bet365-sponsored Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket.
At York, Wokingham Stakes heroine Unequal Love returns to her original target in the William Hill Summer Stakes. Trainer William Haggas’ filly has impressed this season and faces a stern test against fellow in-form sprinters like the Marco Botti-trained Great Generation.
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