Emerging trainer Nacim Dilmi is steadily progressing with Domeland, highlighted by I Am Carrot delivering his 30th success for the outfit through a commanding effort at Randwick Kensington.
Dilmi, once part of the Godolphin team, began his tenure as private trainer for the racing and breeding venture this season and holds an impressive 19 per cent strike rate.
I Am Carrot enhanced those figures on Wednesday via a powerful triumph in the Kia Central Region Dealer Of The Year Handicap (1300m), with Dilmi eager to test him in stakes company amid the Brisbane winter.
“It’s good to get another win out of the way,” Dilmi said.
“I don’t want to step up in grade too soon, but he’ll go to Queensland after this and hopefully we can find a nice race for him like the Fred Best (Classic), or another stakes race towards the end of the Queensland carnival.
“Obviously if the field is a bit strong or he needs more time I won’t rush him into it, but so far he is doing the right things to put his hand up for Queensland.”
Under Jason Collett’s ride, I Am Carrot ($4.20) surged late to prevail by three-quarters of a length ahead of Alphard ($6), while Events ($14) filled third spot, an additional length behind.
Dilmi credits the gelding of I Am Carrot at the onset of his three-year-old year as pivotal, the gelding since amassing three victories and a pair of seconds across five appearances.
The Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) is at Eagle Farm on May 30.
Explore the latest Australian betting sites for competitive odds on the Fred Best Classic and other key Queensland races.