...where she just might match up with Goldencents! (She lost last year's running by a nose to Stay Thirsty.)
The Cigar Mile just got a whole lot more interesting, particularly with Eclipse Awards on the line. Mark the date - Nov. 30th.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/81949/new-owner-to-run-groupie-doll-in-cigar-mile
Now this will be one helluva Cigar Mile with not one but TWO BC winners. Has this ever happened before where 2 winners from those races have met subsequently during the same season?
That was unexpected, but very sporting of Mandy Pope. Here's the DRF article about it. Should be an awesome race!
11/08/2013
Groupie Doll to run in Cigar Mile for new owner, Mandy Pope, and trainer Buff Bradley
By Nicole Russo
(http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/islandgirl452009/BC13GroupieDoll0911-2-13BL__zps8e31eec2.jpg)
Barbara D. Livingston
Groupie Doll wins her second consecutive Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. She has since been sold at the Keeneland November sale for $3.1 million to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm.
Two-time Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Groupie Doll and her trainer and co-breeder William "Buff" Bradley will have the opportunity to complete a bit of unfinished business when the recently sold mare contests the Grade 1 Cigar Mile on Nov. 30 at Aqueduct.
It was announced Friday that the 5-year-old Bowman's Band mare will be pointed to the race, and will run in the colors of Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm after being purchased for $3.1 million at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale Wednesday, from co-breeders Buff Bradley and his father, Fred; and co-owners Carl Hurst and Brent Burns. The Cigar Mile is a $500,000 race but as a Breeders' Cup winner Groupie Doll will compete for the winner's share of a $1 million purse under a bonus put into place by the New York Racing Association........
http://www.drf.com/news/groupie-doll-run-cigar-mile-new-owner-mandy-pope-and-trainer-buff-bradley (http://www.drf.com/news/groupie-doll-run-cigar-mile-new-owner-mandy-pope-and-trainer-buff-bradley)
Think about it. Owners of good horses actually CHOOSING to run against each other, rather than ducking each other. What a concept!
Nevertheless, I like it not.
Too many times that this sort of setup doesn't go as envisioned.
She certainly didn't disgrace herself last year. I applaud Mandy Pope for her sportsmanship.
This apparently was a decision based on a conversation between Bradley and Pope after the Keeneland sale. Bradley must think Groupie Doll is still in top form and able to take on all comers in the Cigar Mile.
I wonder to which stallion she'll be bred....
Wow this IS exciting! Groupie Doll vs Goldencents? :celebrate: Got that date circled on my calender!
Quote from: Zenyatta on November 09, 2013, 08:58:04 AM
She certainly didn't disgrace herself last year. I applaud Mandy Pope for her sportsmanship.
This apparently was a decision based on a conversation between Bradley and Pope after the Keeneland sale. Bradley must think Groupie Doll is still in top form and able to take on all comers in the Cigar Mile.
I wonder to which stallion she'll be bred....
I wonder whether Bradley would have run her in the Cigar Mile if GD was still his horse and Bradley dependent on being able to sell her after the Cigar Mile. As it is, the risk is entirely with Mandy Pope and Groupie Doll.
Quote from: Vic in Chicago on November 09, 2013, 06:04:20 AM
Think about it. Owners of good horses actually CHOOSING to run against each other, rather than ducking each other. What a concept!
More proof that the end times approach!
Look forward to seeing her at Aqueduct for the second year in a row..
The Cigar Mile was looking to have a bland field after losing Graydar and Orb. Now it is looking stronger. Hopefully there will be no more defections.
Today's the day!
Big A, Race #8, post time 320 eastern. (Is that right? Sounds oddly early.)
Track showing fast. So far, no scratches.
Go Groupie!! :rhrse:
Praetereo has been scratched.
Impressive win for Flat Out!
Groupie Doll, who finished fourth, had a tough trip today. She got stuck in traffic along the rail, then had to swing to the outside for the stretch run. Hope today doesn't jeopardize her chance for an Eclipse!
Longshot Private Zone ran a game race to take second.
Really tough trip for the mare...the horse in front of her clipped heels, nearly went down and almost took her with him. For her to manage 4th, after getting bounced around the way she did trying to find room to run, just shows that she is a fabulous racehorse. She belonged in this race, despite what some skeptics may have said. She was beaten by a good horse in Flat Out...but also by lousy racing luck.
Quote from: BaroqueAgain1 on November 30, 2013, 01:46:07 PM
Really tough trip for the mare...the horse in front of her clipped heels, nearly went down and almost took her with him. For her to manage 2nd, after getting bounced around the way she did trying to find room to run, just shows that she is a fabulous racehorse. She belonged in this race, despite what some skeptics may have said. She was beaten by a good horse in Flat Out...but also by lousy racing luck.
Groupiedoll finished second?
Quote from: BaroqueAgain1 on November 30, 2013, 01:46:07 PM
Really tough trip for the mare...the horse in front of her clipped heels, nearly went down and almost took her with him. For her to manage 2nd, after getting bounced around the way she did trying to find room to run, just shows that she is a fabulous racehorse. She belonged in this race, despite what some skeptics may have said. She was beaten by a good horse in Flat Out...but also by lousy racing luck.
Or outstandingly good luck that Clearly Now didn't go down and take her with him. She came in 4th by a neck, BTW, not 2nd.
My oops. Will edit.
She always gives her all. Her finishing the race healthy is all that mattered. She was a worthy contender.