Qiji Phoenix wins 2017 Diamond Lodge Champagne Stks Listed NZ$500,00 at Ellerslie (NZ), 1600m.
Favourite Qiji Phoenix looks to have a promising future taking his record to three wins in three starts. He jumped away best from barrier five, led briefly but was headed on his inner to settle third. Near the 1200m he moved forward to trail the leader, one out, where he remained until entering the home straight. Jockey Leith Innes let the reins out a notch soon after and they cruised a length clear past the 300m and another length at the 200m, more than enough to hold them all at bay.
Weather With You lay third (rails) at the 800m, moved out three wide into the straight and ran on fairly well to land second place from Scott Base, who was a handy fifth turning in, challenged Weather With You at the 200m but faded slightly to the post for third.
Leader into the straight, Miss Foxy Gal was a distant fourth.
