Grid Girl all go for to tick black-type box in 2025 Kensington Stakes

Grid Girl’s flawless preparation is set to be tested at stakes level when she lines up in the Listed Kensington Stakes at Flemington on December 31.

The VRC’s decision to stage a twilight meeting on New Year’s Eve, rather than the traditional New Year’s Day fixture, is expected to draw a strong crowd and reshape summer racing highlights.

Unbeaten in three starts this campaign, Grid Girl takes on the 1400-metre feature with bigger ambitions in mind if she can successfully step into black-type company.

Trainer Jd Hayes is confident the mare is ready for the challenge.

“She’s gone to another level,” Hayes said.

“She’s really come of age and she’s racing well, honest and consistent, and I can’t see why she can measure up at black type level.”

The mare earned her shot at stakes racing after a narrow but determined victory in Benchmark 94 grade at Rosehill on December 7, registering a Racing and Sports rating of 106.

Hayes said maturity has transformed her racing pattern.

“She used to do a fair bit wrong and I think it has all come with racing and age,” Hayes added.

“She used to be quite keen in her races and she seems to have dropped that habit and it has culminated with her being able to finish a lot more strongly.

“She is probably similar to what Marble Arch did at the same age,” he added of the now six-year-old who took out the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in March.

“Her win in Sydney was dominant in that she was in for a dogfight and didn’t give up.”

Grid Girl has drawn ideally in barrier one, with stablemates Run Harry Run and Roll On High also engaged for Lindsay Park.

“Roll On High likes Flemington and I think she can bounce back there,” Hayes said.

Odds and race previews for the Kensington Stakes are available via the Australian betting sites list.