Haydock racecourse stages the first Grade One stayers chase for the season this weekend. The Betfair Chase (also known as The Lancashire Chase) has seen some prolific winners down the years, most noticeably, Kauto Star and Haydock specialist, Bristol De Mai.
This year’s renewal features last year’s winner Royale Pagaille, Grey Dawning, and the exciting Haiti Couleurs. We preview the big race and all the seven runners along with checking out best Betfair Chase bets and top odds from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
Getting To Haydock
Details of how to get to Haydock Racecourse can be found here.
Tickets still available from here.
The Runners
Grey Dawning
Suited by a left handed track and is a deserved favourite after finishing second in this last year and gaining a runner-up spot also in the Aintree Bowl back in April. 
However, 5/4 (William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports) looks short enough but he will be in the mix at the business end.
Haiti Couleurs
Highly progressive chaser who won four our of six chases last season including the National Hunt Chase at The Cheltenham Festival and a brilliant victory in the Irish National at Fairyhouse.
He is a proper stayer and will take some beating if he demonstrates a liking for the track. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is very much on the agenda for this Rebecca Curtis trained eight-year-old and his mark is still viable for handicaps.
Our selection to land this prestigious Grade One. Best odds of 7/2 with Bet365, Betfred and Boylesports.
Royale Pagaille
This Venetia Williams trained high class veteran loves this track, based on his two wins in this race from the last two years, although he is not getting any younger. 
Will appreciate any more cut in the ground but may some progressive rivals too good for him on this occasion. Best odds of 6/1 with William Hill.
Handstands
This Ben Pauling trained new kid on the block won three times last season on top of a defeat to Arkle winner Jango Baie in The Scilly Isles Novice Chase at Sandown.
He stepped back to 3 miles at Aintree last April but was badly hampered, subsequently pulling up. However, he has won a Grade 2 at Sandown over 3 miles but needs to improve further to trouble his rivals here. Best odds of 6/1 with Bet365.
Stellar Story
Mud loving Gordon Elliott trained stayer who followed up his 2024 Albert Bartlett success with a runner-up spot in the Brown Advisory at The Cheltenham Festival. He will need to improve but will be a threat if the ground gets any deeper. Best odds of 12/1 with William Hill.
Hitman
Paul Nicholls has always held high regard for this nine-year-old and he does pull off the odd surprise in top class company but consistently fails to win. He did not stay in the Grand National and it seems his optimum distance is around the 2m 4-furlong mark. Best odds of 33/1 with Bet365 and William Hill.
Marsh Wren
Progressive mare who has won four of her six chases and finished runner-up in the Mares Chase at The Cheltenham Festival. She will need to improve in abundance to figure here although the 7ibs mares’ allowance will give her a squeak. Best odds of 40/1 with Bet365 and William Hill.
Recap
Grey Dawning comes here as arguably the classiest in the field, but his limitations have been exposed possibly on this track and distance. Royale Pagaille will no doubt put in a bold bid despite his advancing years: his previous two consecutive wins cannot be ignored.
However, the big danger has to be Haiti Couleurs who advanced impressively last season culminating with that Irish National victory. He also comes here with match fitness after a surprising win over hurdles, also demonstrating his excellent versatility. Stellar Story will be a threat with deeper ground and barring miracles, Hitman and Marsh Wren can be ruled out in this class of company.
Verdict
HAITI COULEURS WIN 7/2 with Bet365, Betfred and Boylesports.
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