The Derick Mosca trained Free Passage created quite a stir when he won his Derby "prep" over 1,750 metres on the The Neal & Massy Day At the Races on Independence Day (August 31.) That event has provided punters with much pertinent information and clues about the Blue Riband event of local racing, the Trinidad Derby on Republic Day (September 24.) Today, will be even more informative as all of the Trinidad Derby hopefuls, will be going on the track to put in their much needed work to win at the top event. This morning, Santa Rosa Park will be abuzz with the continuing preparation for the Grade One Classic. Eight days ago, two of the top three-year-olds were in action, in the form of The Big Squeeze and the highly regarded gelding called Free Passage signalled their intent to challenge the John O'Brien trained Onetokeep in the derby. The Big Squeeze won as expected, drawing clear in the final 300 metres to win a shade easier than the winning margin of 3 1/4 lengths suggested. Trainer Michael Carew (Jnr) is confident that she will go close in the derby saying: "She just keeps improving and had a lot left in the tank." Rider Shane Ellis confirmed Carew's opinion stating that the D Boyz Syndicate owned filly won easily. Sporting the colours of the Republic of T&T, this filly which has now etched her name into the annals of racing history by winning both the Gleneagle and Oak Stakes, will definitely be ready for September 24. Carew warned, "Onetokeep is a good horse and is the one to beat but he will not have it all his way. This filly will be coming home strongly."
However, the thoroughbred which had tongues wagging was the Derick Mosca trained Free Passage. This colt by Image Maker/Select Princess could not have been more impressive, going around two turns for the first time and winning.
I was really impressed with the manner in which the Juan Navarro-owned Free Passage travelled with his rider Lionel Ramos sitting motionless and waiting to pounce. At the far turn, it was clearly visible that there was going to be one winner. With 300 metres left Ramos gave him an inch of rein, which saw him establish the lead and quickly settled the issue. Free Passage toted 56.5 kilos in the process and provided the best 'trial performance' for the derby. Mosca was elated and said, "Everything is a plan. This was a great performance and his first time going 1,750 metres. He will be coming for the derby, so I have got to keep my fingers crossed that everything goes the way we planned." Mosca has all reason to be optimistic, Free Passage is following a path similar to Pride N Glory before his derby winning performance in 2008. Many would remember the sensational finish with Donut Prince. Will Mosca emulate the Master of Santa Rosa Park, Glenn Mendez? Time alone will tell. With all that has been highlighted, it will take a very good horse to lower the colours of the John O'Brien trained Onetokeep.
Now we await the Big Clash when one thing is certain, Onetokeep will not have a free passage in the derby. It might well be a tight squeeze to win the $300,000 first prize cheque.
