Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes |
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| Group 1, Leopardstown 14:50 €400,000 added, 3yo plus, fillies, 1m, Class 1  |
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1 Porta Fortuna 5/4F
2
Fallen Angel 5/2
3
Soprano 14/1
9 ran NR: Rogue Millennium
Distances: 1l, ½l, shd Time: 1m 40.67s (slow by 1.17s)
There's no stopping Porta Fortuna, who claims a third Group 1 success in a row, flying home under @TomMarquand in the @coolmoreamerica 'Justify' Matron Stakes, for trainer Donnacha O'Brien 🔥@BreedersCup | #itallcomesdowntothis pic.twitter.com/BrXqxJ3hAy
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) September 14, 2024
Porta Fortuna solidified her status as this season’s top filly at a mile by winning the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes, ending Fallen Angel’s winning streak in Ireland. After finishing second in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, Donnacha O’Brien’s filly skipped the Irish 1,000 Guineas, which was won by Karl Burke’s Fallen Angel, and went straight to Royal Ascot, where she triumphed over Opera Singer in the Coronation Stakes.
Tom Marquand, who rode her at Royal Ascot, missed out on her Group One victory in the Falmouth Stakes but was back in the saddle at Leopardstown. Porta Fortuna, the 5-4 favourite, stayed close to the pace set by George Boughey’s Soprano and Fallen Angel. As the field turned for home, James Doyle urged Fallen Angel forward, but Marquand unleashed Porta Fortuna’s signature turn of foot, securing a one-length victory. Fallen Angel and Soprano finished second and third, respectively.
Following this win, Porta Fortuna was made the even-money favourite for the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket by Paddy Power and Betfair. However, O’Brien hinted she might skip that race in favour of the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, where she is a 4-1 chance for the Mile with Coral.
“She’s an incredible filly, always showing up and making it look easy,” said O’Brien. “Group Ones are tough to win, but she’s special. We’ll see how she is, but we’re planning for Del Mar. She’ll get a break, and if all goes well, we’ll head to America.”
Meanwhile, Fallen Angel is set to step up in distance at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend. Her trainer, Karl Burke, was pleased with her performance, especially as it was her first start for new owners Wathnan Racing. “She had some time off after the Irish Guineas, so to perform like that against a top filly is great. We think she’ll do well over 10 furlongs, and the Prix de l’Opera is next,” Burke said. “She’ll sharpen up, and a bit of softer ground in France will suit her.”
Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes
Group 1, 1m , Race Value: €400,000
9 ran
Going: Good
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (8) Porta Fortuna 3 9-2 Donnacha O'Brien Tom Marquand 5/4F
2 (7) 1 Fallen Angel 3 9-2 K R Burke James Doyle 5/2
3 (9) ½ Soprano 3 9-2 George Boughey Billy Loughnane 14/1
4 (3) shd Ylang Ylang 3 9-2 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 6/1
5 (2) ¾ Vespertilio 3 9-2 W McCreery W J Lee 14/1
6 (1) 1 Mammas Girl 4 9-7 Adrian Murray Robert Whearty 150/1
7 (5) nse Wendla 3 9-2 G M Lyons Colin Keane 66/1
8 (6) 2 Jancis 3 9-2 W McCreery Declan McDonogh 9/1
9 (4) 2½ Magical Sunset 4 9-7 Adrian Murray Ronan Whelan 100/1
NR 3 (10) Rogue Millennium 5 9-7 Joseph O'Brien NON RUNNER
