Presque Isle Downs: Groupie Doll confirmed for Masters

Groupie Doll, the only horse in the North American filly-mare sprint division to win two Grade 1 races this year, is definitely pointing to the premier race of the Presque Isle Downs meet, the $400,000 Masters on Sept. 8, after breezing a sharp five furlongs in 58 seconds early Friday at Churchill.

“I wanted a real sharp work from her, so I had another horse go off about eight lengths ahead of her, and by the quarter pole she was already going past,” said trainer Buff Bradley. “She cooled out real well and we’re really happy. She’ll have another work next week, but it’ll be something easier. I hadn’t really committed to the Presque Isle race, but after this work, I’m going to say yes.”

Groupie Doll is unraced since setting the seven-furlong track record of 1:20.44 in winning the Grade 1 Humana Distaff on the May 5 Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill. The Grade 2 Masters is run at 6 1/2 furlongs over the Tapeta synthetic.

After the Masters, Groupie Doll will run in the Oct. 6 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes on opening weekend of the Keeneland fall meet before heading to Santa Anita for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on Nov. 2.