Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a minor back issue was identified as the reason for his below-par finishing effort in last month's Betfair Chase.


A Grade One-winning beginner last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle return, the six-year-old gone back to the highest level with high hopes on Merseyside, however was ultimately 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 wishes to see him in a better light at the Winter Million meeting on January 18.


"He was sore and we have actually had his back figured out, so we've certainly pinpointed why he hung up the home straight," stated the fitness instructor.


"We're still most likely going to drop him back in journey in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a different kind of track, but he's in excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm extremely delighted 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 remain in a much better place."


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 minute.


"You're always nervous about horses that have actually had injuries, specifically horses with that much capability as you want them to be OK a lot, but 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 phase where we don't require any hiccups, but if we remain in the kind I expect to be in I think he's going to be really competitive."