FREE PASSAGE, undefeated on the main track in four career starts and displaying marked improvement in each of his three starts this season, sent a clear message to his opponents that they will not have a 'free passage' in next Monday's C.N.G Derby Stakes at Santa Rosa Park.

Yesterday, the Jamaica-bred bay son of Image Maker/Select Princess was joined by stablemates Onefortheroad and U Crazy Diamond after the track was reconditioned, and he blew away his companion in impressive fashion. He should now be a very strong contender for the rich $500,000 event on Republic Day, September 24.

The gelding, who will be partnered by Venezuelan Lionel Ramos who rode him to success in his last start over 1,750 metres, stopped the clock in a bullet 1:00.93 with Richard Perez aboard. Ricky Jadoo rode Onefortheroad.

Derby favourite Onetokeep only cantered around the track with Brian Harding, and should have his final let down workout for the Derby this morning. Stablemate Pistons And Rings also cantered around the track, while three-time Horse of the Year Bruceontheloose, partnered by Nobel Abrego on his 47th birthday yesterday, was brisk from the 600-metre in a very easy 43.93. Unbeaten juvenile Safra Tilah with Chris Jadoo aboard breezed in a strong 54.36 over 800 metres.

Here are yesterday's recorded workouts:

400 metres—Come Rene With Me and Ex-Amazing Grace 29.94 pacing; Bonnie 29.92 pacing; No Just Cause 29.96 pacing; Stroke Of Love 29.98 pacing; Quick City 23.03 good; Prados Wells 29.88 pacing; Ex-Local Charmer from gates 29.76.

600 metres—Gold Bead 38.45 handily; Peppermint and Always A Princess 44.08 pacing; Bruceontheloose 43.93 pacing; Ex-Latin Princess 44.96 pacing; Ignition Coil 44.56 pacing; Aztec Gold 38.04 handily.

800 metres—Pistons And Rings 59.92 pacing; Gone For Six 59.97 pacing; Safra Tilah 54.36 handily.

1,000 metres—Free Passage better than Onefortheroad 1:00.93 good; U Crazy Diamond 1:02.10 good