Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a minor back issue 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 directly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle comeback, the six-year-old returned to the greatest level with high hopes on Merseyside, but was eventually well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.


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


"He ached and we've had his back figured out, so we have actually definitely identified why he hung up the home straight," stated the fitness instructor.


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


"I was pleased with the way he went through three-quarters of the race at Haydock and it was uncharacteristic of him to be a . I think 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 splendor with stable star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He couldn't be better at the moment.


"You're constantly worried about horses that have actually had injuries, specifically horses with that much capability as you want them to be OK so much, however he came out of Haydock as well as we might ever have actually hoped.


"We're beginning to ramp up his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not need any missteps, but if we remain in the form I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be extremely competitive."