Life O’Brien plugs away for Cummings duo

The standard bearer for Anthony and Edward Cummings over winter has another opportunity to shine at Rosehill, while a batch of younger horses continue their development for the father-and-son training partnership.

Although Life O’Brien has the foundation to suggest he is the duo’s best hope to finish the season on a high, Edward Cummings said much was still expected of Rockafella, Feirin and Poetic Diva.

The inexperienced trio have just five races between them – for three wins – and each faces tougher tests on Saturday.

Rockafella resumes after a 47-week spell in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m).

“He’s had some soundness issues. We’ve been dealing with that all the way through,” Edward Cummings said.

“He’s been a little bit burly but he’s shown enough to suggest he’s ready to go to the races.”

Cummings was also confident Feirin was capable of making her presence felt in the 3YO fillies handicap (1200m) nine days after her win on debut at Gosford.

“It’s a short turnaround because the BOBs bonus is only there one more time for her,” he said.

“She’s got a lot of potential but she’s making a fairly big rise in class.”

Poetic Diva is at long odds to cause an upset in the 2YO Handicap (1500m), although Cummings thought the filly would benefit from Corey Brown’s experience.

“The step up in trip (from 1100m) will suit her and Corey’s a good match for her,” he said.

“He’s got nice soft hands and is certainly good with the fillies.”

Cummings believes Life O’Brien can continue his preparation in the Benchmark 85 Handicap (2000m).

“He’s been up for quite some time. That’s probably the only concern with him,” Cummings said.

“He’s been consistent from seven furlongs up to 2000 for two or three months now. He’s certainly helped fly the flag for the stable through winter.”

The gelding has had nine runs this campaign for two wins and five minor placings.