Grander ambitions for Walker's Sandown victor

Tolaga Bay is slated for a Black Type assignment after an impressive winning return at Sandown, continuing her undefeated streak.

The Mark Walker-trained filly, by Alabama Express, triumphed in the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap over 1300 metres on Wednesday.

Potential targets for the filly include the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on September 19, or the Listed Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m), also at Caulfield, just eight days later, according to Walker.

With jockey Michael Dee in the saddle, Tolaga Bay ($4.20) secured a narrow victory by a long head from Somethings Burnin' ($2.45), while Crudens Tycoon ($11) trailed in third.

Walker commented that Tolaga Bay, who debuted successfully at Ballarat in February, would derive significant benefit from her Wednesday outing.

"There is still good improvement in this girl," Walker remarked. "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 further added, "I know it was a small field, but the horse that ran second is a pretty good horse."

Walker lauded jockey Michael Dee's astute ride, particularly how he navigated from an outside draw to position Tolaga Bay outside the favourite, Greenwich Boy ($2.40), who finished fourth.

"It was a lovely ride of Mick's," Walker explained. "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 anticipates Tolaga Bay will eventually handle distances up to 1600m and hasn't 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."

The filly will be given her chance at a Black Type contest after resuming with a win at Sandown and remaining unbeaten.

Keep an eye on the racing odds at your preferred online bookmakers for upcoming races featuring promising fillies like Tolaga Bay.