Pauling Wants Handstands To Blossom In Fleur De Lys

Ben Pauling is wanting to Handstands to prove his quality when he heads to Windsor for the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase on Sunday.


The Grade One-winning amateur chaser started the campaign with Cheltenham Gold Cup goals however has actually so far failed to repeat the top-class screens he produced last term, leaving his handler browsing for an efficiency that serves a prompt suggestion of his ability.


"He seems in great form with himself, looks a photo and has had a wind op so I would like to believe he will run a great race in the Fleur de Lys," stated Pauling.


"Being sensible, he needs to go and show himself still this season. His novice type was as good as anybody's however, and yes he hasn't turned up at a number of the spring festivals, however there have actually been real reasons.


"He has actually Baie a couple of times (in the Sidney Banks and the Scilly Isles) and he's undoubtedly an Arkle winner who has stepped forward again this season and we were running a beautiful race in the Betfair (Chase at Haydock) before he lugged left in the home straight."


Handstands has entries for both the Ryanair Chase and Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, with Pauling currently holding a strong hand in the blue riband with his King George VI Chase hero The Jukebox Man.


Handstands is poised for Windsor on Sunday (David Davies/PA)


With that in mind he is willing to position Handstands on merit, with a myriad of contests possible in the spring.


Pauling included: "He's a lovely horse and we desire keep our choices open and I won't simply line him up in a Gold Cup for the hell of it. But if he plays himself into the equation and ends up being a live outsider or something, then that's great.


"He has a Ryanair entry and he'll likewise have a National entry and he's simply a very nice horse with a huge engine and when he is right he is excellent, so hopefully he'll be quickly right on track."