Churchill Downs notes: Groupie Doll may return in Ballerina at Saratoga

Trainer Buff Bradley said he is considering the Grade 1 Ballerina at Saratoga as a possible comeback spot for the reigning filly-mare sprint champion, Groupie Doll, after the mare breezed a half-mile Friday at Churchill in 47.20 seconds.

“I’ll probably work her a half-mile again Friday,” said Bradley, adding that the Aug. 23 Ballerina at Saratoga is “only something we’re thinking about. That and the race at Presque Isle,” referring to the Presque Isle Masters on Sept. 9. “We just want her to keep doing as well as she is, and we’ll make that decision at the right time.”

Moquett will have Saratoga string

Ron Moquett is shipping five horses to Saratoga next weekend, with three of them – all of them winners of their respective last starts – being stakes-bound.

Moquett said Gentlemen’s Bet, 5-for-6 lifetime, will go in the Grade 1 Vanderbilt on Aug. 4; Right to Vote is headed for the James Marvin on the July 19 opening-day card; and Livi Makenzie is possible for the Honorable Miss on July 29.

On Fire Baby ready to breeze

On Fire Baby has recovered from the illness that precluded her from running in the Fleur de Lis Handicap last month at Churchill. The gray 4-year-old filly was scheduled to breeze Saturday at Churchill, but trainer Gary “Red Dog” Hartlage postponed the work because of the sloppy conditions.

* Sky Girl, a romping winner of maiden and first-level allowance races at the Churchill spring meet, will run next in the July 20 Arlington Oaks, said trainer Paul McGee.