The Portmore Stakes, a native-bred three-year-old Graded Stakes event, is the last stop on the “Road to the Triple Crown” for fillies. The 7½-furlong (1,500m) contest takes place tomorrow (Saturday, May 6), and sees 13 runners taking part, including the unbeaten Bootylicious from the barn of trainer Ian Parsard.

Below is an analysis of the starters in the $3-million purse event.

1. EPIC: (3 b f by Casual Trick – Global) – Made a winning start to her career in a maiden condition offering for native-bred three year olds over 5 furlongs (1,000m) round on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Epic, who led from the start, defeated Slam Dunk by a neck in a time of 1:02.2 for the distance. Epic will have to improve a lot if she is to win The Portmore.

2. SHOW GIRL: (3 b f by Northern Giant – Thegirlnextdoor) – Has no chance of winning or even affecting the outcome.

3. ALL FOR LOVE: (3 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Princess Sallema) – Despite the fact that she is going to love this distance, All For Love best hope is a place among the top four.

4. PRINCESS SHARON: (3 b f by Soul Warrior – Princess Shine) – Was an encouraging winner on debut. Princess Sharon easily won a 7-furlong contest by 4 ¼ lengths in a time of 1:28.1 on April 10. Princess Sharon should go well over this distance, but will have to put every hoof right to rattle the principals. Note, Princess Sharon races with the visor on.

5. ARIA’S REIGN: (3 dk b/br f by Resurgence – Nuclear Warning) – Is going to be left behind. Note, Aria’s Reign races with first time Lasix.

6. BROWN SKIN GIRL: (3 ch f by Bold Conquest – Girl Talk) – Easily won the Jamaica Equine Veterinary Association Trophy over 9 furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) on April 29, 2023 by 11 ½ lengths in a time of 2:00.4. Brown Skin Girl makes a quick return and is not expected to repeat. Will be running on for a possible minor placing.

7. BOOTYLICIOUS: (3 b f by Key To Power – Keep The Faith) – Without a doubt, the best native-bred three-year-old filly at present. Bootylicious made her way to the top of the ladder after her three-length win in the 7-furlong (1,400m) Thornbird Stakes on April 8, 2023, registering her third-consecutive victory from as many starts. Bootylicious sat just behind the pace and pounced on the leader at the top of the straight to win in a time of 1:26.1. The Portmore should be another stroll in the park for this talented filly.

8. SHE’S MYHEDGEFUND: (3 ch f by Hedge Fund – Thisgirlisonfire) – Is going to find it a tall order to seriously challenge the main contenders.

9. MAMMA MIA: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Princess Geeta) – Was expected to put up a better fight in the Thornbird Stakes when finishing third by 3 ¾ lengths behind Bootylicious and stablemate Thalita. Mamma Mia led for most of the way before giving way at the top of the lane. With the distance increased, Mamma Mia is expected to fall short of the target once again.

10. DUROCELL: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Savanna’s Smile) – Won the Hotline Stakes on March 11 over 6 furlongs (1,200m). Durocell was then unplaced in her next start over 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m) on April 22. Durocell, while possessing some ability, a minor place is her best hope.

11. GAHLY GAHLY LINKS: (3 ch f by Hedge Fund – Danzig La Rae) – Should not trouble the main contenders.

12. SAVVY GIRL: (3 b f by Savoy Stomp – Runallday) – Finished fourth in the recent Thornbird Stakes. Savvy Girl should go home with a share of the pie.

13. THALITA: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Luminous Trieste) – Ran the best race of her career when finishing second behind Bootylicious in the 7-furlong Thornbird Stakes on April 8. Thalita is going to enjoy this trip again and could complete the exacta again.