Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A Grade One-winning newbie last season and directly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle return, the six-year-old returned to the highest level with high hopes on Merseyside, but was well beaten as he passed the post last of 4 finishers.


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


"He was aching and we've had his back figured out, so we have actually absolutely determined why he hung up the home straight," stated the fitness instructor.


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


"I was happy with the way he went through three-quarters of the race at Haydock and it was uncharacteristic of him to be a weak finisher. I think now we have actually repaired that we'll remain in a much better location."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More right away Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase glory with steady star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He could not be much better at the moment.


"You're constantly nervous about horses that have actually had injuries, especially horses with that much capability as you want them to be OK a lot, but he came out of Haydock along with we might ever have hoped.


"We're starting to increase his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not need any missteps, but if we're in the type I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be really competitive."