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 division after the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.


The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won four of his five beginner 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 victory over difficulties at Newbury bit over a fortnight earlier, a go back to the Berkshire track for next weekend's Cup was mooted, however he instead steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside.


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


Grand National preferred HAITI COULEURS remains on strongly, making the most of 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 appears in terrific shape, it's a pity we have actually not got an extra week with him, but there's no indication in your home that he's not fresh - he appears actually well in himself," said the Welsh fitness instructor.


"I believe Saturday will be really fascinating and we'll sort of find out what level he's at, I guess. I 'd rather find out this side of Christmas, due to the fact that (then) you sort 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 bit much better and draw out a bit more enhancement, however at the exact same time Haydock has great old straight and I think you've got to have an excellent stayer around there once the track's on the slow side."


Trainer Rebecca Curtis at Fairyhouse (Damien Eagers/PA)


Assessing his reappearance win over the smaller sized challenges, Curtis added: "I would not say I was absolutely stunned by it, as I understood he was effectively in your home and I knew he 'd enhanced a bit. Seeing the method he was taking a trip and jumping, I said after a couple of 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've worked him hard. I have actually basically just thrown whatever at him to freshen him up instead of stacking loads of work into him, so I can't tell you much off his home work, but he certainly looks sharper."


Last year's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille successfully protect his crown at the primary cost 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 said: "I 'd never desire to take anything away from the winner last year, but I simply felt the conditions got us. I'm definitely not taking anything away from the winner, but I wouldn't have actually minded 10mm (of rain) less.


"The race looks 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, getting out of amateur company with some excellent wins to our name however needing to step up.


"I always feel that is a difficult thing to do however if you have Grade One type, then obviously they can and I have a lot of respect for those amateurs turning up and also 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 bit of incomplete business with the race - we'll be heading there without any reasons."


Another elite novice from last season bidding to prove 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 (best) has huge 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 envision - I just believe he has a substantial engine.


"I'm a realist and I believe this is his best opportunity 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 again and this needs to be our best opportunity of a Grade One - we'll attempt to take it."


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