Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A Grade One-winning novice last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle resurgence, the six-year-old returned to the highest level with high hopes on Merseyside, however was ultimately well beaten as he passed the post last of 4 finishers.


Pauling was determined 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've had his back arranged out, so we've definitely identified why he hung up the home directly," 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 different type of track, however he remains in great order, he looks a million dollars and I'm very happy with him.


"I was 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 have actually repaired that we'll remain in a much better location."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More right away Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase glory with steady star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He couldn't be much better at the minute.


"You're always nervous about horses that have actually had injuries, specifically horses with that much ability as you want them to be OK so much, however he came out of Haydock as well as we might ever have 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 require any hiccups, but if we remain in the kind I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be extremely competitive."