Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a small back was recognized as the cause of his below-par completing 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 greatest level with high hopes on Merseyside, but was ultimately well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.


Pauling was adamant that his charge was not at his finest that day and hopes to see him in a much better light at the Winter Million meeting on January 18.


"He was sore and we have actually had his back sorted out, so we've certainly identified why he hung up the home straight," said the fitness instructor.


"We're still probably 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 excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm very pleased with him.


"I was thrilled 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've repaired that we'll remain in a much better location."


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 couldn't be much better at the minute.


"You're constantly nervous about horses that have actually had injuries, especially horses with that much capability as you desire them to be OK a lot, but he came out of Haydock as well as we might ever have actually hoped.


"We're starting to ramp up his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not need any hiccups, however if we're in the type I anticipate to be in I think he's going to be really competitive."