Pencarrow bred Soul Commander (Commands x Bartolomeo) showed a clean pair of heels last night at Kranji, leading all the way to salute the judge for the first time since joining the Singapore arm of Te Akau Racing.

Ridden by Joao Moreira, Soul Commander jumped well and led throughout, slowing the tempo mid-race and sprinting hard off the corner to win by three lengths.

Originally raced in New Zealand where he won once from four starts, Soul Commander was coming off the back of a last start second late last year and could have a big year in front of him given the manner in which he won.

Bred by Peter and Philip Vela, Soul Commander was sold through Pencarrow Stud’s Premier Sale draft at Karaka 2010, being knocked down to the bid of David Ellis for $165,000.

Soul Commander is the first foal of the Strategic mare Bartolomeo who is out of the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes winner Paolino (Housebuster). It is also the same family as Group 1 Rosehill Guineas winner Riverina Charm (Sir Tristram) and Group 2 Royal Stakes winner Sarwatch (Jetball).

Bartolomeo produced a full-brother to promising Singapore galloper Jonathan (Darci Brahma) in 2012 and has a yearling filly by Sahkee’s Secret that has been retained by the Stud.

Commands will have 4 yearlings at Karaka 2013 which kicks off next Monday 28 January.

To view the Pencarrow Stud draft for Karaka 2013 click here.