Prized Icon wins Group 1 Champagne Stakes
Late-entry Prized Icon has given James Cummings his first Group One as a trainer in his own right.
Backing up after winning the Fernhill Handicap last week, Prized Icon proved the superior stayer over an extended distance for two-year-olds in the Champagne Stakes at Randwick.
In a race where New Zealand youngster El Sicario took charge and established a six-length lead in the middle stages, Prized Icon sat in second place.
The colt was challenged strongly by Chimboraa at the 200m, but drew away for a decisive win.
Cummings trained in partnership with Bart Cummings until his grandfather’s death last year and together they won the Golden Rose and Randwick Guineas with Hallowed Crown.
He only decided to run Prized Icon when nominations for the race were extended beyond last Monday’s deadline.