Saturday Build-Up: Leave Of Absence's Big Move in the Denman Chase, Haiti Couleurs's Cheltenham Credentials on the Line
Racing Post Sport
February 7, 2026
The Denman Chase is shaping up to be an intriguing race with a significant move in the market for Leave Of Absence, a novice trained by Anthony Honeyball. The horse's price has halved to 11-2, indicating a strong belief in its potential, despite only four starts in the Grade 2 contest.
Leave Of Absence's recent performance in the Howden Silver Cup, where he finished second by a head, and his lack of experience on heavy ground, add an extra layer of intrigue. Paddy Power's spokesman, Paul Binfield, highlights the contrast in the market, noting that the front-runners in the Denman market are drifting, while Leave Of Absence's price has halved.
Haiti Couleurs, another contender, has also seen a price shift, drifting to Evens with Paddy Power and L'Homme Presse out to 6-4. The market movements suggest a strong belief in Leave Of Absence's chances, but the race remains competitive.
Let It Rain, a third contender, has shortened to 7-4 for the William Hill Hurdle, indicating a potential upset in the making. The race schedule at Newbury and Warwick is packed with action, but the conditions at Warwick, described as 'extremely testing' by the clerk, could be a challenge for the horses.
The heavy, soft ground at Warwick and the recent heavy rainfall have led to concerns, with the meeting at Newcastle being abandoned due to waterlogging. The latest updates from Newbury indicate heavy, soft ground, but the chase track is slightly better. Non-runners have been announced, and the schedule for the day is provided, offering a comprehensive overview of the racing action.
