Super Trouper, winner of the 1600m Mercedes-Benz Ipi Tombe Stakes on March 8, takes on former rivals in the $12 600 Independence Trophy at Borrowdale Park on Sunday. The Independence Trophy will also be run over 1600m but, mainly due to the conditions of this race, Gokhan Terzi’s charge now has more to do.

Of the 9 runners all but Killa Man ran in the Ipi Tombe and, apart from Gentle Brook and Equina,  they now meet Super Trouper on better terms.

On March 8 Glorious Jet finished two lengths behind Super Trouper (his stablemate) when receiving 1.5 kgs, and this time he will be in receipt of 4kgs.  Super Trouper will be ridden by Apprentice Mathew Thackeray, claiming 2.5kgs, while Glorious Jet retains the services of Apprentice Wesley Marwing, claiming 1.5kgs.  The son of Jet Master was Tote Favourite last time out and I would not be at all surprised to see him turn the tables here.

In addition to Killa Man, Bridget Stidolph will saddle Menacing, Lucky Sam and Alula Borealis.  Menacing, 1.25 lengths back at level weight in the Ipi Tombe, will now get  2.5 kgs from Super Trouper.  Lucky Sam, 1.5 kgs better off, finished 3.50 lengths behind the Ipi Tombe winner at level weights – and this was his first race as a four-year-old.  Although Alula Borealis was among the also rans when he last met Super Trouper, he is 3.5 kgs to the good this time and on Ipi Tombe day I was expecting him to do better.

The Go Deputy gelding, Menacing, has the credentials to feature.

This will be Killa Man’s fourth outing since coming back from a tendon injury.  He is showing signs of a return to his best form and on February 22 finished a gutsy third to Heron Boy in a 1900m MR 70 Handicap, giving away 7 kgs.  Dynasty’s son will be ridden by Fanie Chambers.  He is a 4-time winner from 1600m – 2400m, will carry 54 kgs,  is drawn 1 –  and this could be interesting.  Continue reading →