Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a small back problem was recognized as the cause of his below-par finishing effort in last Chase.


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


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


"He ached and we've had his back figured out, so we've definitely pinpointed why he hung up the home straight," 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 various type of track, however he's in excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm extremely pleased with him.


"I was happy 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 fixed that we'll be in a better place."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


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


"You're always anxious about horses that have had injuries, specifically horses with that much capability as you desire them to be OK so much, however he came out of Haydock along with we could ever have actually hoped.


"We're starting to ramp up his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not need any hiccups, but if we're in the type I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be really competitive."