Tolaga Bay is set to be given her opportunity in a Black Type race after commencing her campaign with a victory at Sandown, maintaining her unblemished record.
The Mark Walker-prepared daughter of Alabama Express claimed the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap, run over 1300 metres, 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 the races Walker is likely to target for the filly.
Guided by jockey Michael Dee, Tolaga Bay ($4.20) achieved a victory by a long head against Somethings Burnin’ ($2.45), with Crudens Tycoon ($11) finishing a further 2-½ lengths behind in third.
Walker commented that Tolaga Bay, who was a debut winner at Ballarat in February, would benefit from her outing on Wednesday.
“There is still good improvement in this girl,” Walker stated. “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 for his patient ride, as he transitioned from an outside draw to settle outside the $2.40 favourite Greenwich Boy, who ended up in 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.”
The trainer suggested that Tolaga Bay would eventually handle 1600 metres 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.”
Tolaga Bay will be given her chance at a Black Type contest after resuming with a win at Sandown and remaining unbeaten.
Be sure to check out the betting markets for the race at leading Australian betting sites.
