Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A Grade One-winning amateur last season and directly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle resurgence, the six-year-old returned to the highest level with high hopes on Merseyside, but was ultimately 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 wants to see him in a better light at the Winter Million conference on January 18.


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


"We're still most likely going to drop him back in journey in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a various kind of track, but he remains in great 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 stable star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He couldn't be much better at the moment.


"You're always worried about horses that have actually had injuries, specifically horses with that much ability as you want them to be OK so much, however he came out of Haydock along with we could ever have actually hoped.


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