The Pencarrow bred Chateauneuf Dupape (NZ) put in a tidy performance in Singapore last night to win the S$75,000 Kranji Stakes (1000m) on the Polytrack at his second start back from a spell.

In what is becoming a highly successful mix, the combination of trainer Michael Freedman, champion jockey Joao Moreira and a son of the Pencarrow bred Darci Brahma has seen two winners in the last week with champion 3YO Super Easy and now Chateauneuf Dupape.

Given a well-rated ride from Moreira, Chateauneuf Dupape (ex Loudenne) was taken straight to the lead and although the three-year-old veered off the rail on the turn, his performance in the straight was consummate and he raced to an easy two-length victory.

Chateauneuf Dupape

“He’s a good genuine horse but it’s debatable just how far he can go,” commented Freeman.

“I think class wise he may be able to go a bit further but distance wise I think he’s suited over the 1000 – 1200 metres.

“Joao gets on really well with him so it was important getting him back on board in what was a fairly open race.”

Chateuaneuf Dupape came into the race second up from a spell and ran a close third fresh up on 1 July over 1100 metres. Having just his seventh start in Singapore, last night’s win was his third, taking his stakes earnings to $180,000, and Freedman is pleased with how the three-year-old has handled his first year of racing in Singapore.

“For a three-year-old to come here and win three of his seven starts, I think he’s done a pretty good job,” said Freedman. “We’ll just have a look at our options with him but I don’t think he’s finished winning just yet.”

Bred and part-owned by Peter and Philip Vela, Chateauneuf Dupape was offered by Pencarrow Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2010 Karaka Premier Sale and was purchased by BBA – Ireland for $310,000.

Well-bred, Chateauneuf Dupape is from the Palace Music mare Loudenne, making him a half-brother to Pencarrow Stud’s Group 1 winning filly Insouciant (Keeper) and Group 3 winner Copper Mountain (Jetball). Chateauneuf Dupape was Loudenne’s last foal, she is now enjoying her retirement at Pencarrow Stud.

The Pencarrow bred Darci Brahma has had just six runners in Singapore this season and they are headed by the superstar three-year-old Super Easy who is unbeaten in 11 Singapore starts including all three legs of the 3YO Triple Crown.

Darci Brahma currently holds third place on Singapore’s Sires’ Premiership with over S$1 million in stakes earned by his progeny this season.