diff --git a/hyperglass/models/api/query.py b/hyperglass/models/api/query.py
index 2f2a1c7..571311f 100644
--- a/hyperglass/models/api/query.py
+++ b/hyperglass/models/api/query.py
@@ -65,12 +65,12 @@ class Query(BaseModel):
 
         self._input_plugin_manager = InputPluginManager()
 
-        self.query_target = self.transform_query_target()
-
         try:
             self.validate_query_target()
         except InputValidationError as err:
             raise InputInvalid(**err.kwargs) from err
+        
+        self.query_target = self.transform_query_target()
 
     def summary(self) -> SimpleQuery:
         """Summarized and post-validated model of a Query."""