Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A Grade One-winning amateur 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, but 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 wants to see him in a better light at the Winter Million conference on January 18.


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


"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, however he's in great order, he looks a million dollars and I'm very happy 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 fixed that we'll remain in a better place."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More immediately Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase glory with steady star The Jukebox Man, adding: "He could not be better at the moment.


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


"We're beginning to increase his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the phase where we do not need any missteps, however if we remain in the kind I expect to be in I think he's going to be really competitive."