Haiti Couleurs Stepping Up For Betfair Chase Challenge

Connections of Haiti Couleurs can anticipate to have a clearer idea of where he stands in the remaining division after the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.


The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won 4 of his 5 amateur starts over fences last season, rounding of his project with big-race victories in the National Hunt Chase at the and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.


Having blown away any cobwebs with a return victory over difficulties at Newbury bit over a fortnight ago, a return to the Berkshire track for next weekend's Coral Gold Cup was mooted, however he instead steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside.


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


Grand National favourite HAITI COULEURS remains on strongly, benefiting from a mistake from Bill Baxter to score back over difficulties at @NewburyRacing ... @rebcurtis pic.twitter.com/RtWsbcYbUW


- At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 6, 2025


"He seems in great shape, it's a shame we have actually not got an additional week with him, however there's no indicator in the house that he's not fresh - he appears really well in himself," stated the Welsh trainer.


"I believe Saturday will be truly fascinating and we'll sort of learn what level he's at, I guess. I 'd rather discover out this side of Christmas, because (then) you type of know where you're pursuing Christmas and into the spring with him.


"Saying that, it is not going to be the be all and end all for him on Saturday. There are tracks that may suit him a little bit much better and highlight a bit more improvement, but at the exact same time Haydock has good old straight and I think you have actually got to have an excellent stayer around there once the track's on the sluggish side."


Trainer Rebecca Curtis at Fairyhouse (Damien Eagers/PA)


Reviewing his reappearance win over the smaller sized obstacles, Curtis included: "I wouldn't state I was absolutely stunned by it, as I understood he was extremely well at home and I understood he 'd improved a bit. Seeing the way he was taking a trip and leaping, I said after a couple of furlongs 'I think he's going to win this'. I simply get that sensation with him.


"He definitely looks a bit sharper because Newbury and he's a bit sharper in his work, not that we've worked him hard. I've generally just tossed everything at him to refresh him up rather than piling loads of work into him, so I can't tell you much off his home work, but he absolutely looks sharper."


In 2015's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock professional Royale Pagaille effectively safeguard his crown at the primary expense of Grey Dawning, who is preferred to go one better 12 months on, with his fitness instructor Dan Skelton confessing there will be "no excuses" this time around.


Grey Dawning is a hot favourite for the Betfair Chase (Bradley Collyer/PA)


Skelton stated: "I 'd never ever desire to take anything far from the winner in 2015, but I simply felt the conditions got us. I'm certainly not taking anything away from the winner, however I wouldn't have actually minded 10mm (of rain) less.


"The race seeks to have a little bit of depth to it and last season we remained in the position some of these will remain in this year, stepping out of newbie company with some excellent wins to our name however requiring to step up.


"I always feel that is a hard thing to do but if you have Grade One form, then obviously they can and I have a lot of respect for those beginners coming up and likewise a great deal of respect for Venetia's horse.


"I would enjoy to begin this year with a Grade One and I feel there is a little unfinished business with the race - we'll be heading there without any reasons."


Another high-class newbie from last season bidding to prove himself in open company is Ben Pauling's Handstands, who looked a little ring-rusty when touched off by Resplendent Grey in the Colin Parker Memorial Chase at Carlisle three weeks ago.


Ben Pauling (right) has big expectations for Handstands (Steven Paston/PA)


Pauling is expecting to see a sharper version of the six-year-old this weekend, stating: "I have more faith in this horse than you could ever envision - I just think he has a huge engine.


"I'm a realist and I believe this is his best opportunity of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he may be a Gold Cup horse, however we have to be honest and state by March things will be a lot hotter again and this has to be our finest opportunity of a Grade One - we'll attempt to take it."


Gordon Elliott's Irish raider Stellar Story finishes the five-strong field.