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A drop back in distance and a well-rated race by first-time partner Zyrul Nor Azman paved the way to Qiji Commander’s maiden win on Saturday.

At his last start in a Class 5 race over 1200m on May 5, the Helmet five-year-old was a winner everywhere except the winning post where he was swamped late to settle for third place.

Four weeks later, trainer Donna Logan thought the 1000m of Saturday’s $30,000 Class 5 Division 1 race would suit the Chinese-owned gelding better - and she proved to be right on the money.

aken straight to the lead from his barrier one, Qiji Commander ($24) controlled the pace with favourite Aabir (Riduan Abu Bakar) the stalker throughout, but once Zyrul gave Qiji Commander a dig in the ribs at the 300m, there was no mistaking his day in the sun had arrived.

Aabir kept chipping away one length astern, but could not do much, even losing second place to Wonderful Era (John Powell) by a neck. It was revealed later on that Aabir bled. The winning time was 59.45secs for the Polytrack 1000m.

“He did not run a bad race when Desmond (Chan Wei Sheng) rode him at his last start in that 1200m race. We decided to bring him back in distance and 1000m suited him better,” said Logan.

“He had the perfect draw and Zy rode him very well. The Chinese owner is not here today, but it’s good he’s won a race here.

“He’s got quite a few new horses with us. Hopefully, that is the first of many more.”

Zyrul may not have ridden Qiji Commander before, but the New Zealand-trained apprentice jockey had done his homework.

“I watched his replays, especially his last run. He likes to lead, but the 1200m was too far,” he said.

“He was also fitter today. To give him every winning chance, there is only one way to ride him – from the front.

“I could see the favourite from the corner of my mind, but once my horse kicked again, I was confident we had him covered.”

Thanks to his two previous thirds, Qiji Commander  has now collected around $30,000 in stakes earnings for Niu Fudong.