Nacim Dilmi’s extensive experience with Godolphin has been instrumental in shaping his current training methods, particularly in preparing his first Group 1 runner.

Having taken the reins as the private trainer for Domeland just over twelve months ago, Dilmi is set to achieve a significant career milestone when Matcha Latte represents the stable in Saturday’s Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.

The horse’s journey to this prestigious race owes much to Dilmi’s adherence to a key piece of advice from his former mentor, James Cummings – the importance of patience.

“If it doesn’t work out that week, you’ve just got to move on,” Dilmi commented. “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 philosophy of patience that guided Dilmi’s decision to spell Matcha Latte after the gelding finished third in the Provincial-Midway Championships Final (1400m) in April.

Jockey Ash Morgan had noted post-race that the gelding appeared to be ready for a longer distance. However, Dilmi chose not to immediately step Matcha Latte up in trip, opting instead for a strategic, long-term approach.

This decision not only allowed Matcha Latte a valuable break but also provided him with the time needed to recover from recurring soundness issues that have troubled him throughout his 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.”

Matters concerning Matcha Latte’s mile record are not overly impressive on paper. He has contested five races at this distance, securing two second placings, and has not yet won a race beyond 1400m.

However, these statistics are somewhat misleading, as both placings were in close finishes in Group 3 races, and he has largely been restricted to 1400m races as an older horse.

Dilmi has full confidence in the horse’s ability to handle the 1600m journey and has been extremely pleased with the gelding’s preparation, including his recent second behind 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 boasts nine black-type placings without a single win at stakes level.

For those interested in the Epsom Handicap, the latest racing odds are readily available through Australian betting sites.