Porta Fortuna eyes Breeders’ Cup glory following Matron Stakes triumph

Donnacha O’Brien’s star filly Porta Fortuna is on track for a second stab at Breeders’ Cup glory in November’s prestigious meeting at Del Mar.

Donnacha, son of one of horse racing’s greatest ever trainers, Aidan O’Brien, will bid for his first success in the United States with Porta Fortuna in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

The three-year-old, who ran seven times as a juvenile in her debut campaign with four wins including two in group company, has enjoyed a stellar Classic season on the turf.

She opened proceedings at HQ in May with an impressive second in the 1000 Guineas before landing a hat-trick of Group 1 honours in the Coronation Stakes at Ascot, the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket and the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

Having been sent off a 5/4 favourite at the South Dublin track, Porta Fortuna headed longtime leader and division rival Fallen Angel inside the final furlong and pulled away in style to win by a length.

Standing as arguably the best three-year-old filly in training in Europe, she does not look one to take on as the Medallion Racing-owned superstar targets the $2,000,000 purse in California.

All class!

PORTA FORTUNA completes a Group One hat-trick in the @coolmoreamerica 'Justify' Matron Stakes 🏆🏆🏆

What a superstar she is 😍#itallcomesdowntothis | @LeopardstownRC | @TomMarquand pic.twitter.com/ZZdHCWozhW

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2024

Porta Fortuna set for Breeders’ Cup Mile as American owners eye huge cash prize

The daughter of former Ballydoyle star Caravaggio moved up 15 places on the TRC Global Horses Rankings following her impressive victory, breaking into seventh place from 22nd – sitting as one of three fillies inside the top ten.

She produced yet another dazzling display of class, resilience and sheer quality as the filly cemented herself as one of the season’s most reliable and valuable horses to follow – with SPs of 11/1 (2nd), 7/2 (1st), 10/11 (1st) and 5/4 (1st) across her four starts.

When County Tipperary-based handler O’Brien sends her off to America in November, he’ll be hoping to go one better than last year’s second-place finish at the meeting in the Grade 1 Juvenile Fillies Turf.

Whilst the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket in October remains a possibility, O’Brien hinted that another run in Europe this season is unlikely and her American owners are ready to move forward with plans for Del Mar.

There is no doubt that this is one special horse, tallying seven wins from 11 career starts including four Group 1 successes and it will prove difficult for anyone to look past her when she ventures across the Atlantic for a second time.

Tom Marquand has been on board for each run but one this season, except for when Ryan Moore was booked in the Falmouth Stakes, and is looking ahead to America with excitement.

Speaking to At The Races, Marquand said:

“She’s electric and she’s been absolutely flawless. There’s not an awful lot more you can say about her, she’s obviously thrown her hat in the ring at the top level so many times now and that’s three Group 1 wins on the trot.

“It’s very hard to do and she’s doing it in dominating fashion. She’s been a proper superstar for Donnacha O’Brien and her owners.

“Going up to the mile round there [at Del Mar] should suit really well, she holds all of the cards you need to go over there. She loves fast ground, she’s versatile, she’s got plenty of boot and she whips around those bends pretty neat the way she did last year.

“I’m sure she’ll stand a really good chance going over there.”

"She's been absolutely faultless!" @TomMarquand is confident in Porta Fortuna's ability ahead of her Breeders' Cup target… pic.twitter.com/mh7O3Z1Z0Q

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 17, 2024

Shortly after her thrilling performance at the Irish Champions Festival, the best UK horse racing betting sites cut her odds for the Breeders’ Cup Mile to 7/2 – on par with Godolphin challenger and 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech.