Buoyed by strong barrier trial performances from his stable stars, Anthony Cummings is optimistic two-year-old Fayerra can defy her odds and be competitive at Randwick.
With the autumn carnival around the corner, Cummings ramped up preparations for Libertini, Vegadaze and Prince Fawaz on Thursday with all stepping out at a bumper Randwick trial session.
Vegadaze and Libertini competed in the opening 900m heat won by Dreamforce, finishing third and sixth respectively.
The trainer was rapt with the performances of both, with Vegadaze showing improved racing manners to settle in the run while Libertini travelled strongly on the bridle for Tommy Berry.
"Tommy thinks she has come back stronger and that was our view leading into it," Cummings said.
Libertini will trial again on February 6 before resuming in the Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick, while Vegadaze kicks off in a benchmark race at Warwick Farm two weeks from Saturday.
Prince Fawaz finished runner-up to Sweet Deal in his 900m-trial and will make a traditional three-year-old return in the Hobartville Stakes with the Doncaster Mile his goal.
Cummings also has ambitious aspirations for Fayerra, who takes on a smart field of youngsters in Saturday's $2 million Inglis Millennium in 14 Days Handicap (1000m).
The filly is entered for a 1200m-race at Newcastle but Cummings is favouring Randwick as a better stepping stone into the Inglis Millennium at Warwick Farm early next month.
"There is no doubt she will be better at 1200 but when I do that, I'd prefer to be in a $2 million race in a couple of weeks," Cummings said.
Fayerra got going late to finish fourth in a 1000m Gosford maiden on debut and has shown ability at home.
She is the outsider of the field at $71 but Cummings is unperturbed by the price.
"Her work since has been sharp and she's well within herself so I think we go there with some expectation," Cummings said.
He also expects To Your Health to run another honest race in the City Tatts Bushfire Appeal Handicap (1600m).
The mare has picked up a cheque at all six starts this campaign, including a Kensington track victory earlier this month.
Australian Associated Press
