Social Aviator has positioned herself as a strong contender for the 1000 Guineas, demonstrating her skill and class on the track while winning The Portmore, the final leg on the ‘Road to the Triple Crown’ series of races at Caymanas Park on Sunday, May 4, 2025

Trained by Jason DaCosta and ridden by Robert Halledeen, Social Aviator produced a strong run on the inside rails in deep stretch to beat Burning Hedge (Phillip Parchment) by a neck in the $4-million Graded Stakes contest over 7 ½ furlong (1,500m). The final time for the race was 1:35.1 (24.0 x 47.2 x 1:14.3 x 1:28.3), showcasing Social Aviator’s impressive speed and endurance.

Halledeen’s praise for the filly’s determination and ability underscores her potential for future success.

“Jason’s instructions were to get a smart break and to be patient, stick inside, navigate through tired horses, keep her a free running range, and when it’s time to go I will know,” Halledeen said in a post-race interview.

Halledeen explained how he navigated the challenging stretch.

“From the backstretch going into the half-mile turn, I found myself in a terrible spot where I couldn’t relax and I had to keep her going as I got a couple of bounces,” he explained.

Despite the tough spot, Social Aviator proved her class, and Halledeen added: “She is very gamed, she stuck in there, she took her hits and dig deep when it matters the most.”

As the finish line approached, Halledeen saw Burning Hedge ahead but remained confident in Social Aviator’s abilities.

“I saw Burning Hedge in the last furlong but my horse was gaining momentum and she responded well to the left-hand whip. From there, I knew she had it,” Halledeen said.