Porta Fortuna Primed for Matron Stakes Return
In the latest update from the world of thoroughbred racing, Porta Fortuna is gearing up for her highly anticipated return to the track after a mid-season break. The daughter of Caravaggio, trained by Donnacha O’Brien, is set to compete in the prestigious Coolmore America “Justify” Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on September 14th, as part of the prestigious Irish Champions Festival.
Porta Fortuna has been in superb form this season, establishing herself as a leading contender in the fillies’ division over a mile. After a narrow miss in the 1000 Guineas, she bounced back with an impressive victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, followed by a dazzling performance in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.
“Porta Fortuna is in good form and has had an easy couple of weeks since the Falmouth, but her work is beginning to pick up round about now,” said O’Brien. “She worked this (Friday) morning actually and worked very nicely, and she’s got a few more bits to go before the Matron and everything is going to plan so far.”
The trainer is optimistic about Porta Fortuna’s chances in the Matron Stakes, but he acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the weather at this time of year.
“The Matron is the plan, all being well and all being well with her. We’re just hoping the ground stays nice. The forecast looks OK at the minute, but obviously the weather at this time of year can be changeable, so we’re just hoping the ground will be somewhere close to good.”
Looking ahead, Porta Fortuna also has the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket in early October as a possible option for later in the campaign. However, a trip to the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in November has always been a top priority for the American-owned filly, and O’Brien could be tempted to bypass Newmarket in favor of heading to California fresh, depending on the outcome of the Matron Stakes.
“The Breeders’ Cup is one of her main targets, so in my own head, if she ran well or won at Leopardstown, we could be tempted to go straight to America and skip Newmarket. But that option of the Sun Chariot is there as well in case we change our minds,” the trainer said.
Fans of Porta Fortuna and the sport of horse racing will eagerly await the outcome of the Coolmore America “Justify” Matron Stakes, which could set the stage for a potential Breeders’ Cup showdown later in the year. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting filly and the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing!
🔗 Source