Nacim Dilmi has a soft spot for Trekking and Kementari, but won’t be disappointed if Savatiano upstages the boys in Saturday’s Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm.
Dilmi has done a mountain of travel for Godolphin and head trainer James Cummings in the past 15 months, including three quarantine stints during the height of the Covid-pandemic.
During that time, highlights included Trekking’s Group 1 Goodwood win last May and Kementari returning to winning form in Perth late last year.
Dilmi has been with Trekking in Brisbane for the past four weeks, before welcoming Savatiano and Kementari to the caretaker stable on Thursday morning as Cummings plots another Group 1 coup.
“It’s going to be a tough race (but) I’m looking forward to it,” Dilmi said.
“Savatiano, I’ve never had to do too much with her. I’ve had a lot to do with Trekking and I had Kementari in Perth and I brought his mojo back, so I don’t know. If either of the three wins, I will be very happy.”
Trekking has been below his best in two Brisbane runs this year, but Dilmi said with a firmer track and being third up, there will be no excuses this time.
“First up we thought he was ready, but it looked like he needed the run, he had a big blow post-race,” he said.
“Second up in the 10,000, Kerrin (McEvoy) said the track was a little too soft for him and that’s when he peaked on his run. He was hardly beaten a length.
“The Eagle Farm track – he goes really well on it. Back on top of the ground his rider (Mark Hanneybell) was very pleased (on Tuesday morning). From what I saw it was strong work, he’s pulled up really well and he will definitely give them a good shake on Saturday.”
Stablemate Athiri is trying to bounce back from one of her worst career runs when she tackles the Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes at Eagle Farm.
“She was a little bit wound up and had a bee in her bonnet behind the barriers,” Dilmi said.
“She was vetted and Kerrin said the moment she went back into the barriers she was a totally different horse. A little bit sour.
“We gave her a good gallop on the A-grass (on Tuesday) and she worked really well, so James is happy to push on with her for Saturday.”
