Chelmsford Stakes 2016: Winx inspiring James Cummings to work harder and dream bigger

WINX’S achievements on the racetrack are already rubbing off on her rivals, with James Cummings revealing her greatness is making him work harder and dream bigger.

Winx will be chasing her 11th straight win on Saturday at Randwick. Picture: Colleen Petch

WINX’S achievements on the racetrack are already rubbing off on her rivals, with James Cummings revealing her greatness is making him work harder and dream bigger.

Cummings will take on the great mare with Prized Icon in Saturday’s Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) and believes Winx’s journey is one many people can use as motivation.

“One of the attractions of greatness like Winx is it makes us all better, it makes us work harder and it makes us dream bigger,” Cummings said. “We admire Winx as much as the next stable but she is lifting us all to get to a level that is very rarely achieved.

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“She hasn’t gotten there by being an untouched commodity.

“She battled through two-year-old racing and wet tracks and she was defeated in spring and autumn three-year-old races. She didn’t get to where she was by being hidden at all. That’s the contest and beauty of horse racing.

“We are trying to win and she is leagues ahead of the rest on form and therefore the top pick, and the one we are trying to beat.”

Prized Icon will take on the mighty mare Winx at Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Jenny Evans

Prized Icon ($7) is considered the best chance to topple Winx ($1.15) with the TAB but Cummings said the Chelmsford Stakes was more than just about trying to defeat the superstar mare.

Prized Icon is already a Group 1 winner but many form experts have questioned the strength of his Champagne Stakes victory last autumn meaning the three-year-old still has plenty of doubters to silence.

“I suppose it will be a lot easier if (Winx) scratches,” Cummings said. “But the important thing is this is a good building race for him and maybe a chance to lift his reputation as well and put in a performance at weight-for-age.

“It also leaves us in a strong position to be fit enough to go 1800m third up or if we want to go the Golden Rose we have the option of the seven-day back up.”

Prized Icon will carry 50.5kg in the Chelmsford and Cummings said the featherweight gives him his chance. “He can perform on wet tracks and loves the Randwick mile and if it was to be bottomless he is in there with a light weight,” Cummings said.