Timeform Daily: Friday, Haydock 13:55

Paul Nicholls has a good chance with Poungach

Timeform examine each runner in the Betfair. Don't Settle For Less Novices' Chase...

Safran de Cotte relished the stamina test when landing 2m handicap hurdle here in December, but went backwards subsequently and faces tough task backing up his winning start over fences at Stratford (23f) recently.

Gullinbursti was a useful winning hurdler but has the build of a chaser and should be sharper for his recent introduction over fences when third in a 3m Exeter maiden, though he'll need to brush up his jumping here.

Knock A Hand was a useful hurdler, including when fending off Gullinbursti in 3m Newbury handicap in February, though amiss at Aintree next time and will need to improve after his chasing debut at Chepstow recently.

Poungach was a progressive hurdler in 2011/12, landing 2m Sandown handicap (Safran de Cotte finished third). Headgear now tried after recent second in Rising Stars Novices' Chase on completed start over fences.

Super Duty is a bumper winner who scored 3 times over hurdles last term before fine second to Simonsig in Grade 2 at Aintree, and made good start to chasing career when second in 2m Carlisle maiden recently.

Tenor Nivernais was a dual winner in France and better than ever when winning heavy-ground handicap hurdles here and at Carlisle last season, though he's a moody type and comes with risks attached on chasing debut.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Poungach
2. Super Duty
3. Gullinbursti

Timeform View: None of the sextet can be discounted, though Poungach was the best of these over hurdles and his recent Wincanton second in this sphere sets a fair standard. Super Duty won on this card 12 months ago and promises to do really well over fences, as does Gullinbursti, and both appeal as viable alternatives.

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