Porta Fortuna target could still hinge on Berkshire weather
Coronation Stakes Plan A, but Commonwealth Cup will be considered on soft ground.
Donnacha O’Brien is leaning towards the Coronation Stakes with 1000 Guineas runner-up Porta Fortuna, but could still be persuaded to run his star filly in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Victory at the Royal meeting eluded the 25-year-old during his time as a jockey, but the daughter of Caravaggio provided the County Tipperary handler with his first success at the summer showpiece as a member of the training ranks when landing the Albany Stakes 12 months ago. Since then, Porta Fortuna has gone on to scoop Group One glory in the Cheveley Park Stakes, as well as rattle the crossbar at the Breeders’ Cup, and she also came mightily close to providing the trainer with his first Classic when second at Newmarket.Royal Ascot winner number 8⃣0⃣ for Frankie!
Porta Fortuna lands the Group 3 Albany Stakes for Donnacha O’Brien!pic.twitter.com/kinXO8eMbV — Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) June 23, 2023
Although both a Group One winner and proven over the Commonwealth Cup track and trip, O’Brien is keen to continue plying Porta Fortuna’s trade over a mile, which could see a Royal Ascot rematch with Rowley Mile conqueror Elmalka and subsequent Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Fallen Angel. However, he is also keeping an eye on the weather forecasts and a wet week in Berkshire could easily see Porta Fortuna change tack and drop back to six furlongs. O’Brien said: “Obviously, Porta Fortuna will be our main hope for Ascot and we’re still undecided on Coronation or Commonwealth. “The ground will play a factor and there is some rain forecast. If they got some rain, then we would be more likely to go Commonwealth, but if it is good ground, then the Coronation would probably be more likely.
Naval Force stays on best to land the @IrishEBF_ Irish Stallion Farms EBF 3yo Spring Series Median Auction Race for Donnacha O’Brien 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MUSZITw8e9
— Roscommon Racecourse (@RoscommonRaces) May 13, 2024
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