Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A Grade One-winning amateur last season and directly 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 4 finishers.


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


"He ached and we've had his back arranged out, so we've definitely determined why he hung up the home directly," said the trainer.


"We're still most likely going to drop him back in trip in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a various type of track, however he remains in really great order, he looks a million dollars and I'm really 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 believe now we've repaired that we'll remain in a much better place."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More instantly Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase magnificence with steady star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He could not be better at the minute.


"You're constantly nervous about horses that have actually had injuries, particularly horses with that much capability as you want them to be OK so much, but he came out of Haydock along with we could ever have hoped.


"We're starting to ramp up his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the phase where we do not need any missteps, however if we remain in the form I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be really competitive."