Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A Grade One-winning beginner last season and directly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle resurgence, the to the greatest level with high hopes on Merseyside, but was ultimately well beaten as he passed the post last of 4 finishers.


Pauling was adamant that his charge was not at his finest that day and wishes 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 absolutely pinpointed why he hung up the home directly," said the fitness instructor.


"We're still probably 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 happy 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 be 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 magnificence with stable star The Jukebox Man, including: "He couldn't be better at the moment.


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


"We're starting to increase his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not need any missteps, however if we're in the kind I anticipate to be in I think he's going to be very competitive."