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 reason for his below-par finishing effort in last month's Betfair Chase.


A Grade One-winning beginner last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle resurgence, the six-year-old returned to the greatest level with high hopes on Merseyside, however was eventually well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.


Pauling was that his charge was not at his finest that day and wants 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 definitely pinpointed why he hung up the home straight," said the trainer.


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


"I was delighted 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've repaired that we'll be in a better place."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More immediately Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase splendor with steady star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He couldn't be much better at the minute.


"You're constantly worried about horses that have actually had injuries, specifically horses with that much ability as you desire them to be OK so much, but he came out of Haydock in addition to we could ever have actually hoped.


"We're beginning to increase his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the phase where we don't require any missteps, however if we're in the kind I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be really competitive."