Grid Girl stays home for the Mornington Guineas

Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes have elected to keep Grid Girl in Melbourne for another start before the possibility of tackling Stakes company.

Grid Girl will run in the Mornington Guineas (1600m) on Saturday rather than travel to Adelaide for the Listed HC Nitschke Stakes (1400m) on the inner track at Morphettville.

A better barrier draw at Mornington, four as against 14, was crucial in that decision, but also Ben Hayes’ desire to see the filly at 1600m.

And if Grid Girl performs up to expectation on Saturday, Hayes said the filly could travel to Morphettville on May 4 for the Listed Adelaide Guineas (1600m).

“We had her dual accepted here and in Adelaide,” Hayes said.

“She’s drawn four here and 14 over in Adelaide, so we’ll stay here, and I wouldn’t mind trying her at the mile either and if she was to win and look impressive, then we would seriously consider heading to Adelaide for a mile race there.”

Grid Girl had raced twice in New Zealand before coming on the radar of Australian buyers.

She had beaten home the future Group 1 winner Molly Bloom at her second race start when placed at Hastings last October.

Grid Girl scored first-up over 1400m at Sandown in maiden grade in February before being placed at that track at her next outing.

At her most recent start, Grid Girl scored over 1400m at Pakenham.

Hayes said the most appealing part of that victory was the way in which she attacked the line.

“The best part of her race last time was through the line, which is what you want to see,” he said.

“She’s always been a good track worker at home, very enthusiastic, and that is probably what pleases us the most.

“She relaxed better last time and finished off, so stepping to the mile, that is what we want to see, and I’m sure she’s ready to run a strong race.”