Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A Grade One-winning novice last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle return, the six-year-old returned to the highest level with high hopes on Merseyside, but was eventually well beaten as he passed the post last of four .


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


"He ached and we have actually had his back figured out, so we have actually absolutely pinpointed why he hung up the home directly," stated the trainer.


"We're still most likely going to drop him back in trip in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a different kind of track, but he remains in excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm extremely delighted with him.


"I was thrilled 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 place."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More instantly Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase glory with steady star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He could not be better at the minute.


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


"We're beginning to ramp up his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the phase where we don't require any hiccups, however if we remain in the kind I anticipate to be in I think he's going to be extremely competitive."