The fourth-running of the $3-million The Portmore, the final preparation race for native-bred three-year-old fillies ‘Road to the Triple Crown’, takes centre stage at the Park tomorrow.

The Graded Stakes contest has attracted a decent field of 12 runners, including Hotline Stakes and Thornbird Stakes winner Banadura. The race is set to run over 7 ½ furlongs.

The Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a close look at each runner and their chances of winning.

1. BUTTERCUP: (3 b f by Conquest – Cherimash) – Lost her rider in the Thornbird Stakes on April 13 over 7 furlongs.
Buttercup has done nothing since her maiden on November 19, 2023 and so she cannot be recommend here.

2.BATTLE ANGEL: (3 ch f by Bern Identity – Angel Dreams) – Finished a strong second to Fearless Attack over 6 ½ furlongs on April 28.
Battle Angel is going to be left behind in this one.

3.BLU SENSATION: (3 b f by Sensational Slam – Blues in the Grass
) – Earned a share of the money in the Thornbird Stakes when finishing in fifth position behind Banadura, Comehometome, and Run Julie Run. With basically the same runners here, Blu Sensation can go home earning again.

4.O SO SMART: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Patchwork) – Can safely be bypassed here.

5. BANADURA: (3 b f by Casual Trick – Esperanza) – Without a doubt, the leading native-bred filly heading into this race.
Banadura defeated her peers in the Hotline Stakes (6 furlongs) on March 23 and the
Thornbird (7 furlongs) on April 13. She has been asked to step up in distance here, but based on her two wins this season, Banadura can win again.

6.COMEHOMETOME: (3 b f by Northern Giant – Heart Of Gold) – Consistent runner who has done well in her races without actually winning.
Comehometome came within a length and a half of her stablemate Banadura in the Thornbird. With half-furlong longer to travel, Comehometome could get up in time for the win.

7. LUCY IN THE SKY: (3 b f by Liquidity – Tap A Bay) – Has no realistic chance of winning this one.

8.FRANCIS: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Jazzy Jet) – A winner on last who is going to find repeating a very difficult task.

9.FASTNFURIOUSLINKS: (3 gr/rn f by Casual Trick – Another Fury) – Has no form to recommend.

10.SHANY STAR: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Gentle Officer) – Ran an encouraging race to finish fourth in the Thornbird Stakes.
Shany Star was 5 ¾ lengths behind winner Banadura and could get closer with the distance increase.

11.RUN JULIE RUN: (3 gr f by Successful Native – Runaway Julie) – Came into the Thornbird Stakes as the favourite but failed to land a blow when finishing third.
Run Julie Run has been training well for this race, and given her fine pace, she could rebound with a win here.

12. CRYPTOGIRL: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Twilight Eruption) – Might find this distance a bit taxing for her, but could do well enough for a piece of the pie.