Mathematician and Brendon McNaughton team up again this Sunday. FLASHBACK Zimbabwe Derby April 2016.

Bang in form runners – Life Is Good, Ashton Park, Simona and Super Good – have stood their ground for the 1600m Independence Trophy at Borrowdale Park on Sunday. However, the conditions of this race seem to favour those at the lower end of the weights – for a change.

The race is open to all three-year-olds (54 kgs) and older horses (54 kgs plus penalties). Penalties are incurred for the preceding year …2kgs for each feature win, and 1 kg for any other race, maximum penalty 6kgs. Not so good for the four horses mentioned above who will carry 60 kgs, 59 kgs, 57.5 kgs and 55 kgs respectively. Simona, a filly, has been granted a 2.5 kgs allowance.

Mathematician, son of Black Minnaloushe (USA), is set to heft 54 kgs – a far cry from the 60 kgs and 59 kgs he is used to. Master Switch and Windigo are also on 54 kgs, although Sherman Brown is expected to weigh in at 55 kgs on Windigo.

Belle Epoque (53.5 kgs), a five-year-old mare, is an interesting runner, and might surprise us. That said I still think this field will have their work cut out holding off Mathematician, and maybe Windigo, in this one.

The first race on Sunday is due off at 12.40 pm. The Independence Trophy will take place at 15.30.