The race-fit MAASAI MARA could be the one to be on in a tricky finale even though he has only won on Polytrack so far. Ribal has already run well on heavy going this year and neither Feud nor Rathgar, who won on his final start at Goodwood last season, can be left out of calculations.
Maasai Mara 6-4 (9-7) Tracked leader until 2f out, ridden and went 2nd again over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Tagabawa (9-9) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (4) pol in Apr.
Rathgar 11-10fav (9-7) Led briefly, settled tracking leaders, led 2f out, hung right with 2nd, went clear inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Goodwood 1m 1f stks (4) gs in Oct beating Ramensky (9-7) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Ribal 3-1fav (9-7) Tracked leader, led 2f out, ridden edged left and headed inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Maxi King (9-7) at Doncaster 1m 2f mdn stks (5) hvy in Apr.
Feud 11-4 (9-7) Led, asked for effort over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened close home, 7th of 13, 8 1/4l behind Like A Tiger (9-7) at Kempton 1m stks (4) pol in Nov.
