Connections’ decision to keep Porta Fortuna in training as a four-year-old appears to have been justified after Donnacha O’Brien’s multiple Group 1 winner made a winning return to action in the Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes.

Carrying a 3lb penalty for her Matron Stakes victory, the bay was sent off the 5/4 favourite against race-fit rivals including One Look and Vera’s Secret, both group winners last time out. Reunited with her Falmouth Stakes partner Ryan Moore, she tracked the leaders on the outside and quickened passing the three-furlong pole.

Pushed along to lead approaching the final furlong, she kept on well as One Look (3/1) gave chase, getting within half a length on the line. There was another two and a quarter lengths back to Naomi Lapaglia (10/1), who headed longtime leader Vera’s Secret (13/2).

“It was a lovely starting point for her,” O’Brien said after the race. “She did things right, relaxed nicely and quickened up well. Ryan said she got a little bit idle in front.”

Porta Fortuna subsequently shortened to 6/1 for the Queen Anne Stakes, and on future plans, her trainer commented: "The Queen Anne seems likely. We have the option of that or the Duke Of Cambridge, but I think when she won so nicely and she's training good and she's happy and healthy, I think we have to look at the Queen Anne.”

The American-owned filly ended last season with a trip to the Breeders’ Cup, which is likely to be repeated this year, her trainer said. “We'll see what happens. It was a target last year and the year before so it seems like an obvious possibility at the end of the year. We'll get through the rest of the year and see how she is and hatch a plan then.”

Porta Fortuna is owned by Medallion Racing, Steve Weston, Dean Reeves and Barry Fowler, who travelled over for their star’s return. O’Brien appeared to have planned their trip perfectly, as he also won the opening maiden with the Weston and Reeves-owned 6/1 chance Balantina (Oisin Murphy), and took the finale with 14/1 shot Sharpen (Gavin Ryan), owned by Weston and Medallion Racing with DJ Stable LLC and Hoffmann.