Pauling Wants Handstands To Blossom In Fleur De Lys

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


The Grade One-winning beginner chaser started the project with Cheltenham Gold Cup goals but has actually up until now failed to repeat the top-class screens he produced last term, leaving his handler browsing for a performance that serves a prompt tip of his capability.


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


"Being realistic, he has to go and prove himself still this season. His amateur type was as good as anyone's though, and yes he hasn't turned up at a number of the spring festivals, however there have actually been genuine reasons.


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


Handstands has entries for both the Ryanair Chase and Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, with Pauling already 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 wants to place Handstands on benefit, with a huge selection of contests possible in the spring.


Pauling added: "He's a lovely horse and we want keep our alternatives 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 and becomes a live outsider or something, then that's terrific.


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