OAKS WITHDRAWAL SEALS DILMI’S FORGETTABLE WEEKEND

FOR want of a better explanation, it’s often referred to as “character building”.

Nacim Dilmi can certainly attest to it.

The Wyong trainer, who has done a terrific job in his maiden season, winning 31 races so far for Domeland, has had a forgettable weekend.

His talented three-year-old I Am Carrot performed below expectations at Eagle Farm yesterday, and Oceanfront suffered a bleeding attack for the first time at Rosehill Gardens and incurred a mandatory three months’ ban.

To top it off, Dilmi’s promising filly Probability Theory (pictured) was lame this morning and as a result will be an absentee from Saturday’s $700,000 Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm.

It was such disappointing news as the filly had worked well yesterday morning.

“Probability Theory seemed to pull up well after the gallop, but she was lame this morning and has a foot issue,” Dilmi said in Brisbane before flying home today.

“I will advise Racing Queensland stewards that she will not be an acceptor on Tuesday for the Oaks.

“We’ll bring her home and give her a break, then get her ready for the spring racing as a four-year-old mare.”

Dilmi had been confident I Am Carrot would carry his good NSW form – he had won his last start over 1300m at the Kensington track – into the Benchmark 85 Handicap (1400m) as a well supported $3.20 second favorite.

But after racing up on the pace, he didn’t let down in the straight and finished ninth to Bengal Diamond ($7).

“Rachel (King) rode I Am Carrot, and said the track was quite sticky, especially near the inside,” Dilmi said.

“He has pulled up well, and we know that isn’t his true form.

“I am taking him back to Wyong, and will monitor him over the next few days before deciding whether to return north for the Group 3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) for three-year-olds at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.”

Oceanfront ($16) finished a long last in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1800m), and a post-race veterinary examination revealed he had blood present in both nostrils.

This was the first occasion, and RacingNSW stewards advised Dilmi of the provisions of AR 79(4).

Whilst there was no joy at the weekend, Oceanfront’s stablemate Koios will go back to Kembla Grange on Tuesday to attempt back to back victories.

Apprentice Mitch Stapleford clinched an overdue win on the gelding in a Provincial Benchmark 68 Handicap (1200m) there on May 16, and partners him again in a Benchmark 64 Handicap (1300m).

With Probability Theory out of the Oaks, the provincial’s sole representative will be Kris Lees’ Crathie Kirk, a $26 chance.

The leading Newcastle trainer, seeking a fourth success in the Group 1 feature, has booked Michael Rodd for his filly.

“Crathie Kirk failed in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 23, but it was inconclusive as the race wasn’t solidly run,” Lees said.

“Erin Jo also was nominated for the Oaks, but won’t run.”

. Lees scored with Antilopini ($11), ridden by apprentice Shannen Llewellyn at today’s Muswellbrook meeting held at Scone, whilst the young jockey’s master Nathan Doyle also was successful with Sambuca Sky ($3.10), ridden by Ash Morgan.

Doyle scored with Super Bright (Dylan Gibbons) at $31 at Rosehill Gardens yesterday, and was unlucky not to go home with a double as Midnight Opal ($6.50) could not get clear running for a good portion of the straight and should have beaten the winner Stardeel ($8), ironically partnered by Morgan.

Jockey Aaron Bullock continued his great form, scoring on Mawjood ($3.80) at Rosehill and adding a double on favorites Flirtation ($1.18) and Hulu ($2) at Scone today.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, MAY 31, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS