Tolaga Bay is set to contest a Black Type race following her successful return at Sandown, maintaining her perfect record.

The Alabama Express filly, trained by Mark Walker, secured the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap (1300m) on Wednesday.

Walker is considering 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, for the filly.

Ridden by Michael Dee, Tolaga Bay ($4.20) achieved a narrow victory by a long head over Somethings Burnin’ ($2.45), with Crudens Tycoon ($11) finishing a distant third.

Walker indicated that Tolaga Bay, who debuted with a win at Ballarat in February, would benefit from her run 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’s tactical ride, noting how the jockey managed to bring Tolaga Bay across from an outside barrier to settle outside the $2.40 favourite Greenwich Boy, who ultimately finished fourth.

“It was a lovely ride of Mick’s,” Walker commented. “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 appreciate a longer distance, with a mile being suitable, and has not discounted 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.

Considering the options, punters are looking at the various Australian betting sites for the upcoming races.