EARTH CRY (2) was most recently at the races seven months ago. Closed the last campaign with a minor placing in a hurdle (4600m) at Worcester, beaten 0.8 lengths. Genuine jumper with five wins to his name from 13 appearances. Nicely-placed and expected to go very well. PEDLEY WOOD (6) continued the impressive form with a win two starts ago in a steeplechase (5030m) at Wincanton. Things fell apart last start when he was pulled up in a steeplechase (5030m) at Wincanton. Cannot be written off. FANTASTIKAS (4) returns from a 80-day spell. Concluded the last campaign finishing fourth in a steeplechase (5100m) at Plumpton, beaten 28 lengths. Anticipating a bright start to the campaign. HOUSE OF STORIES (12) failed to finish two back in a steeplechase (4700m) at Chepstow then finished second, 7 lengths from the winner, more recently in a steeplechase (5000m) at Hereford. Hard to fault on that most recent effort.