Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


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


"He was aching and we have actually had his back sorted out, so we've definitely identified why he hung up the home directly," stated the trainer.


"We're still most likely going to drop him back in trip in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a different type of track, however 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 repaired that we'll be in a much better place."


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, adding: "He could not be better at the minute.


"You're constantly nervous about horses that have actually had injuries, particularly horses with that much ability as you want them to be OK so much, 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 need any hiccups, but if we remain in the type I expect to be in I think he's going to be extremely competitive."