Haiti Couleurs Stepping Up For Betfair Chase Challenge
Connections of Haiti Couleurs can expect to have a clearer concept 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 amateur begins 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 triumph over hurdles at Newbury bit over a fortnight back, 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 highly, taking advantage of a mistake from Bill Baxter to score back over difficulties at @NewburyRacing ... @rebcurtis pic..com/RtWsbcYbUW
- At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 6, 2025
"He appears in terrific shape, it's a shame we've not got an additional week with him, but there's no indication in your home that he's not fresh - he appears really well in himself," said the Welsh trainer.
"I think Saturday will be really interesting and we'll kind of discover what level he's at, I think. I 'd rather discover this side of Christmas, because (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 little bit much better and highlight a bit more improvement, but at the same time Haydock has good 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)
Assessing his reappearance win over the smaller sized barriers, Curtis added: "I wouldn't say I was totally surprised by it, as I knew he was really well in your home and I knew he 'd improved a bit. Seeing the way he was taking a trip and jumping, I said after a couple of furlongs 'I think he's going to win this'. I simply 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 generally just tossed everything at him to refresh him up rather than piling loads of work into him, so I can't inform you much off his home work, but he certainly looks sharper."
Last year's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock expert Royale Pagaille successfully safeguard his crown at the primary expense of Grey Dawning, who is favourite to go one much 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 wish to take anything far from the winner in 2015, however I just felt the conditions got us. I'm absolutely not taking anything away from the winner, however I wouldn't have actually minded 10mm (of rain) less.
"The race looks to have a little depth to it and last season we remained in the position some of these will be in this year, stepping out of beginner company with some excellent wins to our name but needing to step up.
"I always feel that is a hard thing to do but if you have Grade One form, then of course they can and I have a great deal of regard for those beginners showing up and likewise a lot of regard for Venetia's horse.
"I would enjoy to begin this year with a Grade One and I feel there is a little unfinished service with the race - we'll be heading there with no reasons."
Another high-class 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 3 weeks back.
Ben Pauling (right) has huge expectations for Handstands (Steven Paston/PA)
Pauling is expecting to see a sharper variation of the six-year-old this weekend, saying: "I have more faith in this horse than you could ever picture - I simply believe he has a big engine.
"I'm a realist and I think this is his best chance of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he may be a Gold Cup horse, but we have to be honest and state by March things will be a lot hotter once 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.