Haiti Couleurs Stepping Up For Betfair Chase Challenge
Connections of Haiti Couleurs can expect 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 five amateur 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 return victory over difficulties at Newbury little over a fortnight back, a go back to the Berkshire track for next weekend's Coral Gold Cup was mooted, but he instead steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside.
Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!
Grand National favourite HAITI COULEURS remains on highly, making the most of 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 great shape, it's an embarassment we have actually not got an extra week with him, however there's no indication in your home that he's not fresh - he seems truly well in himself," said the Welsh trainer.
"I believe Saturday will be actually intriguing and we'll kind of find out what level he's at, I guess. I 'd rather find out this side of Christmas, since (then) you kind of understand 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 match him a little bit better and draw out a bit more improvement, but at the exact same time Haydock has excellent old straight and I think 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 barriers, Curtis included: "I would not say I was completely surprised by it, as I knew he was extremely well at home and I understood he 'd enhanced a bit. Seeing the way he was taking a trip and leaping, I said after a couple of furlongs 'I believe he's going to win this'. I simply get that feeling with him.
"He certainly looks a bit sharper because Newbury and he's a bit sharper in his work, not that we have actually worked him hard. I have actually generally simply thrown whatever at him to freshen him up instead of piling loads of work into him, so I can't inform you much off his home work, however he definitely looks sharper."
Last year's Betfair Chase saw the Haydock expert Royale Pagaille successfully defend his crown at the chief expense of Grey Dawning, who is favourite to go one better 12 months on, with his fitness instructor Dan Skelton confessing 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 wish to take anything far from the winner in 2015, but I just felt the conditions got us. I'm absolutely not taking anything away from the winner, but I wouldn't have minded 10mm (of rain) less.
"The race looks to have a bit of depth to it and last season we remained in the position some of these will remain in this year, stepping out of amateur business with some good wins to our name but 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 regard for those novices coming up and also 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 incomplete company with the race - we'll be heading there without any excuses."
Another elite beginner from last season bidding to prove 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 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, stating: "I have more faith in this horse than you could ever imagine - I just believe 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 might be a Gold Cup horse, however we have to be truthful and say by March things will be a lot hotter again and this needs to be our best opportunity of a Grade One - we'll try to take it."
Gordon Elliott's Irish raider Stellar Story completes the five-strong field.