Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a minor back issue was identified as the reason for his below-par completing effort in last month's Betfair Chase.


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


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


"He ached and we've had his back figured out, so we've certainly identified why he hung up the home directly," stated 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, however he remains in very excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm really 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 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 magnificence with steady star The Jukebox Man, including: "He could not be better at the minute.


"You're constantly anxious about horses that have actually had injuries, especially horses with that much capability as you want them to be OK so much, however he came out of Haydock along with we might ever have actually 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 remain in the form I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be extremely competitive."