Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a small back concern was determined 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 ultimately well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.


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


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


"We're still most likely going to drop him back in journey in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a different type of track, but he remains in really good order, he looks a million dollars and I'm very happy 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 be in a better location."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More immediately Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase splendor with stable star The Jukebox Man, including: "He couldn't be better at the moment.


"You're always nervous about horses that have had injuries, especially horses with that much ability as you desire them to be OK a lot, however he came out of Haydock in addition to 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 phase where we do not require any missteps, however if we remain in the type I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be really competitive."