Verdict

CRUISE DIRECTOR can defy a penalty after a boxing day success and score ahead for Federstar and Khatiman. The selection lived up to his name and cruised to a six length victory at Market Rasen over the festive periodand that margin could have been even larger had he not been eased past the post. The trip, the longest he'd faced over hurdles, seemed to bring out his best and with him facing a similar stamina test again he looks well placed to defy the seven pound penalty. Federstar is an unexposed gelding who has taken to life over timber pretty well. It's one win and a couple of runner-up prizes in seven start in this sphere and although he is yet to win in handicap company his mark is now at a level that seems to be more suited. He'll have to concede weight to all but two of his rivals, which might be telling, but a bit more progression will have him in the mix once more. Khatiman scored a few times on the level last season and has jumped well in his only two starts over timber. The ground should suit and the performance of Jades Double earlier in the day, who he beat when third last time out, will give us more indicators on his chances but the vote goes to Cruise Director.

Formwatch

Hero Again (IRE) 66-1 (11-5) Behind from 3rd, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Tender Falcon (11-3) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft, 16 ran.

Federstar (GER) 7-1 (11-9) Held up, headway 3 out, under pressure to go 2nd near finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 9l behind Mr Jack Daniells (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Jun.

Aldiruos (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Always behind, last of 9, well behind Jazz Scene (11-8) at N Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in Jul.

Radmores Revenge 25-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, kept on same pace from next, 5th of 11, 8l behind Charity Lane (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy.

Daraz Rose (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Hit 5th, always behind and pulled up 2 out in race won by Bally Conn (10-8) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Nov, 14 ran.

Go On Jack 40-1 (9-10) Chased winner, mistake 3rd, mistake 4th and lost 2nd, soon dropped to last, well behind 7th, tailed off, last of 6, well behind Tino Tino (9-11) at Warwick 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Feb.

Cruise Director 10-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, smooth headway 3 out, led next, clear last, easily, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs beating Another Charmer (11-1) by 6l, 12 ran.

Rapid Return (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, 10th of 17, 22l behind Somersby (10-12) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.

Khatiman (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, led 9th, headed approaching 2 out, no extra, 3rd of 9, 20l behind Burgess Hill (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft.

Hever Road (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, raced wide, led 7th, hit next, ridden, saddle slipped approaching 2 out, headed last, no extra, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Forest Miller (11-4) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in May '07.

Green 'n' Gold 8-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, ridden 8th, soon weakened, 6th of 15, well behind Mighty Fine (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jul '07.

Doubly Sharp (USA) 7-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, weakened 3 out, 13th of 16, well behind Apollo Creed (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in May.

Bamby (IRE) 11-4fav (10-6) Took keen hold, tracked leader 2nd to 4th, on left and weakened approaching 2 out where mistake, 7th of 8, 42l behind Earlsfield Raider (10-11) at Worcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Apr.

Villochely (FR) 6-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out, 6th of 15, 24l behind Parlesotho (11-9) at Leicester 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (4) gd in Nov.

Mega Steps (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Led, headed 4th, soon ridden and weakened, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Agglestone Rock (10-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft, 14 ran.

Imperial Royale (IRE) 11-1 (11-3) Mid-division, ridden and last place 5th, kept on approach last, never dangerous, 6th of 18, 15l behind Patronage (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in Jun '06.