Tolaga Bay will be given her chance at a Black Type contest after resuming with a win at Sandown and remaining unbeaten.
The Mark Walker-trained daughter of Alabama Express took out the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap (1300m) on Wednesday.
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, are races Walker is likely to aim the filly at.
Ridden by Michael Dee, Tolaga Bay ($4.20) scored a long head victory from Somethings Burnin’ ($2.45) with Crudens Tycoon ($11) a further 2-½ lengths away third.
Walker said Tolaga Bay, a debut winner at Ballarat in February, would be improved by Wednesday’s outing.
“There is still good improvement in this girl,” Walker said.
“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).
“I know it was a small field, but the horse that ran second is a pretty good horse.”
Walker praised Dee for his patience when coming across from the outside draw to sit outside the $2.40 favourite Greenwich Boy that was beaten into fourth place.
“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.”
Walker said Tolaga Bay would one day appreciate getting out to 1600m and has not ruled out 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.”
