Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a small back problem was recognized as the cause of his below-par completing effort in last month's Betfair Chase.


A Grade One-winning amateur last season and directly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his return, the six-year-old gone back to the highest level with high hopes on Merseyside, however was ultimately well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.


Pauling was determined that his charge was not at his best that day and hopes to see him in a much better light at the Winter Million conference on January 18.


"He ached and we've had his back sorted out, so we have actually certainly identified why he hung up the home directly," said the fitness instructor.


"We're still probably going to drop him back in trip in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a different type of track, but he's in excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm extremely happy with him.


"I was delighted with the method he went through three-quarters of the race at Haydock and it was uncharacteristic of him to be a weak finisher. I believe now we've repaired that we'll be in a much better place."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More instantly Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase magnificence with stable star The Jukebox Man, including: "He couldn't be better at the moment.


"You're constantly anxious about horses that have actually had injuries, particularly horses with that much capability as you desire them to be OK a lot, however he came out of Haydock in addition to we might ever have hoped.


"We're beginning to ramp up his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not require any missteps, however if we're in the form I expect to be in I believe he's going to be extremely competitive."