Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Newbury 2m7½f William Hill Denman Chase (Grade 2) (5yo+) horse racing event.
Haiti Couleurs has won two of his three starts this season. He began with success in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle, then made a couple of errors before being pulled up in the Betfair Chase. He quickly redeemed himself at Chepstow, where he landed the Welsh Grand National. He looks one of the principal contenders again here.
Master Chewy has finished second this season in both the Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) and the Silviniaco Conti Chase (Grade 2). Between those efforts, however, he produced two disappointing runs in the 1965 Chase and the King George VI Chase, where he finished well down the field. He won here twelve months ago in the Game Spirit Chase (Grade 2), but this longer trip is not ideal for him.
Leave Of Absence was second last time in the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase, beaten a head right on the line. Before that, he failed to complete the Sun’s Save Our Bets Novices’ Chase, a Listed race at Cheltenham, after struggling on soft ground. With similar conditions forecast again, his winning chances are reduced.
Riskintheground won on his seasonal debut but has struggled on his three subsequent starts, with his two most recent runs coming at Cheltenham over 2m4½f. It is difficult to see him improving here.
L’Homme Presse has had two runs this season and finished second on both occasions. Last time it was in the Cotswold Chase (Grade 2), where he got the better of the favourite Grey Dawning. This will be his first appearance at Newbury this season and looks a good opportunity to get back to winning ways.
