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 staying division after the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.


The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won 4 of his 5 novice begins over fences last season, rounding of his campaign 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 hurdles at Newbury little over a fortnight back, a go back to the Berkshire track for next weekend's Coral Gold Cup was mooted, however he rather steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside.


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


Grand National preferred HAITI COULEURS remains on strongly, making the most of an error from Bill Baxter to score back over hurdles at @NewburyRacing ... @rebcurtis pic.twitter.com/RtWsbcYbUW


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


"He seems in terrific shape, it's a pity we've not got an additional week with him, but there's no sign at home that he's not fresh - he appears actually well in himself," said the Welsh fitness instructor.


"I believe Saturday will be truly fascinating and we'll sort of learn what level he's at, I guess. I 'd rather learn 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 might fit him a little bit much better and draw out a bit more improvement, however at the same time Haydock has great old straight and I think you have actually got to have a great 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 added: "I would not state I was completely stunned by it, as I understood he was effectively at home and I understood he 'd improved a bit. Seeing the way he was taking a trip and jumping, I said after a few furlongs 'I believe he's going to win this'. I just get that feeling with him.


"He absolutely looks a bit sharper given that Newbury and he's a bit sharper in his work, not that we have actually worked him hard. I have actually basically just tossed whatever at him to freshen him up rather than stacking loads of work into him, so I can't tell you much off his home work, however he absolutely looks sharper."


Last year's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock professional Royale Pagaille successfully protect his crown at the primary expense of Grey Dawning, who is preferred to go one much better 12 months on, with his trainer Dan Skelton admitting there will be "no reasons" this time around.


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


Skelton stated: "I 'd never ever want to take anything away from the winner last year, however I just felt the conditions got us. I'm definitely not taking anything away from the winner, however I would not have minded 10mm (of rain) less.


"The race looks to have a little depth to it and last season we were in the a few of these will remain in this year, getting out of beginner company with some good wins to our name but requiring to step up.


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


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


Another elite newbie from last season bidding to show 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 huge expectations for Handstands (Steven Paston/PA)


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


"I'm a realist and I think this is his finest chance of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he might 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 best possibility of a Grade One - we'll try to take it."


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