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 identified as the cause of his below-par finishing effort in last Chase.


A Grade One-winning newbie 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 4 finishers.


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


"He ached and we have actually had his back sorted out, so we've certainly identified 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 kind of track, but he's in excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm really pleased with him.


"I was pleased 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 place."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


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


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


"We're beginning to increase his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not require any missteps, but if we're in the type I anticipate to be in I believe he's going to be very competitive."