Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A Grade One-winning beginner last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle comeback, the six-year-old gone back to the greatest level with high hopes on Merseyside, however was eventually well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.


Pauling was determined 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 ached and we have actually had his back arranged out, so we've absolutely pinpointed why he hung up the home directly," stated 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 type of track, however he remains in great order, he looks a million dollars and I'm very delighted with him.


"I was delighted with the method he went through of the race at Haydock and it was uncharacteristic of him to be a weak finisher. I believe now we've fixed 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 glory with stable star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He could not be much better at the moment.


"You're constantly anxious about horses that have had injuries, especially horses with that much ability as you want them to be OK a lot, however he came out of Haydock along with we could ever have actually hoped.


"We're beginning to increase his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we don't require any missteps, however if we remain in the kind I expect to be in I believe he's going to be very competitive."