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 completing effort in last month's Betfair Chase.


A Grade One-winning novice 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 four finishers.


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


"He was aching and we have actually had his back sorted out, so we've certainly identified why he hung up the home directly," 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 different type of track, however he remains in very excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm extremely happy with him.


"I was happy 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 think now we have actually fixed that we'll remain in a 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 could not be better at the moment.


"You're always anxious about horses that have actually had injuries, specifically horses with that much capability as you desire them to be OK so much, however he came out of Haydock as well as we might ever have hoped.


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