Haiti Couleurs Stepping Up For Betfair Chase Challenge

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


The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won four of his five newbie begins over fences last season, rounding of his project with big-race triumphes in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.


Having blown away any cobwebs with a resurgence triumph over obstacles at Newbury little bit over a fortnight ago, a return to the Berkshire track for next weekend's Coral Gold Cup was mooted, but he rather steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside.


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


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


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


"He seems in fantastic shape, it's an embarassment we've not got an extra week with him, but there's no indication at home that he's not fresh - he seems truly well in himself," said the Welsh trainer.


"I think Saturday will be truly fascinating and we'll kind of find out what level he's at, I think. I 'd rather discover this side of Christmas, due to the fact that (then) you kind 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 might match him a bit much better and highlight a bit more enhancement, but at the exact same time Haydock has excellent old straight and I believe you've 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 challenges, Curtis added: "I would not state I was completely stunned by it, as I knew he was effectively in the house and I knew he 'd improved a bit. Seeing the way he was travelling and jumping, I said after a couple of furlongs 'I think he's going to win this'. I just get that sensation with him.


"He absolutely looks a bit sharper since Newbury and he's a bit sharper in his work, not that we've worked him hard. I have actually basically just thrown everything at him to freshen him up instead of piling loads of work into him, so I can't tell you much off his home work, but he definitely looks sharper."


Last year's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock expert Royale Pagaille effectively protect his crown at the chief expenditure of Grey Dawning, who is preferred to go one better 12 months on, with his fitness instructor Dan Skelton admitting 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 wish to take anything far from the winner in 2015, however I simply felt the conditions got us. I'm certainly not taking anything away from the winner, however I wouldn't have minded 10mm (of rain) less.


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


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


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


Another high-class newbie from last season bidding to show himself in open business 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 3 weeks ago.


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


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


"I'm a realist and I think this is his best opportunity of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he might be a Gold Cup horse, but we have to be truthful and say by March things will be a lot hotter once again and this has to be our best possibility of a Grade One - we'll try to take it."


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