Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a minor back concern was determined as the reason for his below-par completing 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 greatest level with high hopes on Merseyside, however was eventually well beaten as he passed the post last of 4 .


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


"He ached and we have actually had his back figured out, so we've certainly identified why he hung up the home straight," said the trainer.


"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 really great 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 believe now we have actually repaired that we'll be in a better location."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More immediately Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase splendor 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, especially horses with that much ability as you desire them to be OK so much, however he came out of Haydock as well as we could ever have actually hoped.


"We're starting to increase his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we don't require any missteps, however if we remain in the kind I expect to be in I think he's going to be really competitive."