02/09/2013 3:29PM

Eclipse champion Groupie Doll to van home from Florida on Monday

By Marty McGee
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Barbara D. Livingston
Groupie Doll will be given a rest on the Indian Ridge Farm of trainer Buff Bradley before she resumes training this spring.

Another Eclipse champion with deep Kentucky roots, Groupie Doll, was booked on a van Monday to go from Gulfstream Park in south Florida to Frankfort, Ky., to get time off at the Indian Ridge Farm of trainer Buff Bradley.

Bradley, who bred and co-owns Groupie Doll with his father, Fred, said the travel schedule for the 5-year-old mare had been delayed by the forecast of bad weather along the 1,050-mile trip. Groupie Doll is being shipped out because Bradley was dissatisfied with the listless manner in which she was acting and training.

“She’ll be turned out for a little while and hopefully start back around the first week of April,” said Bradley, noting that she will romp around the same paddock as the 12-year-old gelding Brass Hat, the Bradleys’ first major winner.

Groupie Doll was a near-unanimous champion in her division after winning five straight graded stakes, including the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita.

Babette Cade 9 months ago
Glad to see she is going home and in good hands there. A few months never hurt any Thoroughbred and it appears she is in need of it. Hope this gets her back for the Bradleys and racing fans.
Bruce Baudoux 9 months ago
I sure hope Buff can turn this filly around with a little rest and relaxation in Kentucky. Maybe he is hoping the crisp Kentucky air this time of year will throw her system into gear or refocus her mind on training. I'm sure there was an extra acre or so for her somewhere in the Ocala area but Cooler heads prevailed. Looking forward to seeing the real Groupie Doll again soon.