Pauling Wants Handstands To Blossom In Fleur De Lys

Ben Pauling is seeking to Handstands to show his quality when he heads to Windsor for the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase on Sunday.


The Grade One-winning newbie chaser began the project with Cheltenham Gold Cup aspirations but has up until now failed to duplicate the top-class display screens he produced last term, leaving his handler looking for a performance that serves a prompt reminder of his capability.


"He seems in good kind with himself, looks a picture and has actually had a wind op so I wish to believe he will run an excellent race in the Fleur de Lys," stated Pauling.


"Being sensible, he has to go and prove himself still this season. His novice kind was as good as anybody's however, and yes he hasn't turned up at a couple of the spring festivals, but there have been authentic excuses.


"He has actually beaten Jango Baie a couple of times (in the Sidney Banks and the Scilly Isles) and he's clearly an Arkle winner who has actually stepped forward once again this season and we were running a charming race in the (Chase at Haydock) before he lugged left in the home straight."


Handstands has entries for both the Ryanair Chase and Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, with Pauling currently holding a strong hand in the blue riband with his King George VI Chase hero The Jukebox Man.


Handstands is poised for Windsor on Sunday (David Davies/PA)


With that in mind he is willing to place Handstands on benefit, with a plethora of contests possible in the spring.


Pauling added: "He's a lovely horse and we want keep our options open and I will not simply line him up in a Gold Cup for the hell of it. But if he plays himself into the formula and ends up being a live outsider or something, then that's fantastic.


"He has a Ryanair entry and he'll also have a National entry and he's simply an extremely nice horse with a big engine and when he is right he is excellent, so hopefully he'll be soon right on track."