Tolaga Bay is being considered for a Black Type race following her victorious return at Sandown, where she remained undefeated.
The Alabama Express filly, prepared by Mark Walker, captured the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap over 1300 metres on Wednesday.
Walker is eyeing the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on September 19, or the Listed Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m) also at Caulfield eight days later, as potential targets for the filly.
With jockey Michael Dee aboard, Tolaga Bay ($4.20) scored a narrow victory by a long head from Somethings Burnin’ ($2.45), with Crudens Tycoon ($11) a further 2-½ lengths back in third.
Walker stated that Tolaga Bay, who made a winning debut at Ballarat in February, would improve following her run on Wednesday.
“There is still good improvement in this girl,” Walker conveyed. “Her coat is coming along but is not quite there. It’s been a hard winter getting them ready because it’s been so wet and we haven’t had much grass (to work on).”
He added, “I know it was a small field, but the horse that ran second is a pretty good horse.”
Walker commended Dee’s patient ride, noting how the jockey moved across from an outside draw to sit outside the $2.40 favourite Greenwich Boy, who finished in fourth position.
“It was a lovely ride of Mick’s,” Walker said. “Even though he drew the outside, he came across quietly. They didn’t go much of a gallop, but she had a kick at the end, and she will improve off that as well. After today we’ll try and hunt down some ‘Black Type’, so it’s onwards and upwards.”
The trainer believes Tolaga Bay will eventually be suited by 1600 metres and has not discounted her chances in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield next month.
“You always hope so (get to the Thousand Guineas), but you have to really step up, but a mile will suit her,” Walker said. “She’s out of a Lope De Vega mare, so there’s no reason she won’t get a mile. We might look at the Thousand Guineas Prelude or the week later the Jim Moloney, it will be either or, and it’s probably best to give her a look at Caulfield and see how we are at that track if we decide to head there.”
Tolaga Bay will be given her chance at a Black Type contest after resuming with a win at Sandown and remaining unbeaten.
It’s worth exploring the racing betting markets for upcoming events featuring talented fillies like Tolaga Bay.