Nacim Dilmi’s extensive background with Godolphin has significantly influenced his training philosophy as an independent conditioner. A paramount lesson from his tenure there is being applied to prepare his first Group 1 contender.
Dilmi, who took over as the sole trainer for Domeland just over a year ago, is set to achieve a major career milestone when Matcha Latte represents the stable in Saturday’s Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.
The gelding might not have reached this point without Dilmi adhering to crucial advice from former Godolphin head trainer James Cummings: patience.
“If it doesn’t work out that week, you’ve just got to move on,” Dilmi stated. “There’s no point holding a grudge. At the end of the day, you’re training animals, not machines, and if things don’t go right, well you’ve just got to be patient and their time will come. That was the main thing with James, and I think that’s what he learned from Bart (Cummings) as well. You’ve just got to be patient.”
It was this very patience that Dilmi exercised when he opted to spell Matcha Latte following his third-place finish in the Provincial-Midway Championships Final (1400m) in April.
Jockey Ash Morgan had remarked post-race that the gelding appeared to be seeking a greater distance. However, instead of immediately stepping Matcha Latte up in trip, Dilmi chose a more strategic, long-term approach.
This decision not only afforded Matcha Latte a beneficial break but also allowed him the necessary time to overcome recurring soundness issues that have hampered him throughout his racing career.
“When he ran third in the Final this year, Ash said, ‘I think he’s looking for the mile now’,” Dilmi recalled. “We didn’t want to push on with him, that was his grand final that ‘prep’, but we’ve brought him back with the Epsom as his potential target. We knew coming back this time of the year would be quite tough, spring carnival. But he’s shown he’s back in great order. I’ve been able to train him properly now instead of being careful due to soundness issues. The vet and farriers are very happy with him.”
On paper, Matcha Latte’s record at the mile is not particularly impressive. He has competed five times over the distance, securing two second-place finishes, and has not yet won beyond 1400m.
However, these statistics can be deceptive, as both placings were in close finishes during Group 3 races. Furthermore, as an older horse, he has primarily been campaigned over 1400m.
Dilmi harbours no doubts about the gelding’s ability to handle the 1600m journey and has been delighted with the horse’s preparation, including his recent second-place finish to General Salute in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m).
“We took him to Newcastle for a grass gallop (on Tuesday) morning as Wyong is out of play at the moment. He’s in great order,” Dilmi confirmed. “I can’t fault the horse and hopefully he can finally put a stakes win to his name.”
Remarkably, Matcha Latte has amassed nine black-type placings without yet securing a victory at stakes level.
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