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 ending up effort in last month's Betfair Chase.


A Grade One-winning beginner 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 four finishers.


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


"He ached and we have actually had his back figured out, so we've certainly determined why he hung up the home directly," said 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 different type of track, however he remains in extremely good order, he looks a million dollars and I'm extremely delighted with him.


"I was happy 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 think now we have actually fixed 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 glory with stable star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He couldn't be much better at the moment.


"You're always anxious about horses that have had injuries, specifically horses with that much ability as you desire them to be OK a lot, but he came out of Haydock as well as we might 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 don't need any missteps, however if we're in the type I expect to be in I think he's going to be really competitive."