Qiji Phoenix Remains Unbeaten in Champagne Stakes

Exciting two-year-old Qiji Phoenix (Not A Single Doubt), purchased for $75,000 at the 2016 Select Sale, extended his unbeaten career record to three out of three with a dominant win in Saturday’s $50,000 Listed Diamond Lodge Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie.

Confidently ridden by Leith Innes, Qiji Phoenix went forward to sit outside the leader before asserting his superiority in the home straight. He bounded away from his opposition under minimal urging from Innes and cruised to a two-length win.

“I think this horse is the real deal,” co-trainer Donna Logan said. “As long as he pulls up alright from this, we’ll look at the Group 1 two-year-old race in Brisbane. Further ahead, I really think he could be a Derby-type horse. He relaxes beautifully in his races and he’s got push-button speed.”

Raced by Chinese businessman Fudong Niu, Qiji Phoenix has now had three starts for three wins and prize-money of $48,250.

Qiji Phoenix was bred by Mr G Briscoe and was offered by Phoenix Park at the 2016 Select Sale, where he was bought by Messrs Y & F Niu for $75,000.