Smart colt Qiji Express turned his fortunes around at Hawke’s Bay with a commanding front-running performance to open his account.

The son of Shamexpress worked hard to lead in the Balance Agri-Nutrients 2YO (1200m) before coasting clear for a hollow victory under Matt Cameron.

Qiji Express was coming off a fourth placing in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Stakes (1100m) at Te Rapa where he suffered an interrupted run.

“He was very unlucky at his last start, he didn’t get much of a go at all,” co-trainer Murray Baker said. “We might look at the Castletown Stakes with him now.”

Qiji Express is raced by Chinese connections, including Horse Feng Bloodstock’s Hongwei Chen and Alex Teng and Tianjin-based businessman Fudong Niu. 

A son of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress, Qiji Express is a graduate of the NZB Select Yearling Sale, where he was secured for $27,500. 

Baker was also satisfied with the performance of stablemate Ignored, who finished midfield on debut.

“She was slow away and ran home really well,” Baker said. “We think she is a very good filly in the making and we’ll probably spell her.”

Video replay:  Qiji Express winning the Balance Agri-Nutrients 2YO (1200m)