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 department after the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won four of his 5 newbie starts over fences last season, rounding of his project with big-race victories in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
Having blown away any cobwebs with a comeback success over obstacles at Newbury bit over a fortnight earlier, 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 highly, benefiting from a mistake 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 excellent shape, it's an embarassment we've not got an extra week with him, but there's no indicator at home that he's not fresh - he seems actually well in himself," said the Welsh fitness instructor.
"I believe Saturday will be truly fascinating and we'll type of learn what level he's at, I guess. I 'd rather learn this side of Christmas, since (then) you kind of understand where you're going after 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 fit him a bit better and highlight a bit more improvement, however at the same time Haydock has excellent old straight and I believe 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)
Reflecting on his reappearance win over the smaller sized barriers, Curtis added: "I would not state I was completely shocked by it, as I understood he was extremely well at home and I understood he 'd improved a bit. Seeing the way he was travelling and leaping, I stated 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've worked him hard. I've generally just tossed 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 Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock professional Royale Pagaille effectively safeguard his crown at the primary cost of Grey Dawning, who is preferred to go one better 12 months on, with his trainer 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 wish to take anything away from the winner last year, however I simply felt the conditions got us. I'm definitely not taking anything away from the winner, however I wouldn't have actually minded 10mm (of rain) less.
"The race seeks to have a bit of depth to it and last season we were in the position a few of these will be in this year, stepping out of newbie business with some great 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 naturally they can and I have a great deal of regard for those beginners coming up and likewise a great deal of respect for Venetia's horse.
"I would like to begin this year with a Grade One and I feel there is a bit of incomplete company 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 expecting to see a sharper version of the six-year-old this weekend, saying: "I have more faith in this horse than you might ever picture - I simply think he has a big engine.
"I'm a realist and I believe this is his best chance of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he may be a Gold Cup horse, however we need to be truthful and state by March things will be a lot hotter once again and this has to be our finest chance of a Grade One - we'll attempt to take it."
Gordon Elliott's Irish raider Stellar Story finishes the five-strong field.