It's not that often that it takes to race five for champion jockey Joao Moreira to get on the board.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
After riding 10 winners over the weekend of July 13 and 15, Moreira took until race three last Friday night to land the first of his two winners.
Only one placing came in Moreira's first three rides on Sunday before the favourite Chateauneuf Dupape handed him his first win of the afternoon and his 118th for season 2012.
Sent out the $8 favourite, Chateauneuf Dupape led throughout in scoring by a length-and-three-quarters over Viva Panata (J L Li) with outsider Sky Protege (V Sivan) a further three-and-a-quarter lengths away third.
Moreira was surprised at how easily he was able to lead on the gelding and did think the pace would be a bit “hotter” than what it was.
“He gave me a really good feeling,” said Moreira. “I thought the pace in the race would have been a bit quicker.
“They let me dictate the race but importantly he relaxed well in front. Going past the 600m I knew that he would be hard to run down.
“I think this distance range really suits him and I think there may be some better wins for him.”
Trainer Michael Freedman said it was good to go home with a winner after having just two runners for the afternoon.
“We only had a light muster today so it's good to go home with a winner,” said Freedman.
“He's a good genuine horse but it is debatable just how far he can go.
“I think class wise he may be able to go a bit further but distance wise I think he's suited over the 1000m, 1100m and 1200m.
“Joao gets on really well with him so it was important getting him back on board in what was a fairly open race.”
Freedman said he was especially pleased with how Chateuaneuf Dupape had 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.”
By the same sire – Darci Brahma – as Freedman's other classy galloper Super Easy – from the Palace Music mare Loudenne, Chateauneuf Dupape has a further two placings on top of his three victories and has now topped the $100,000 in prizemoney for the Mummify Stable.
