Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

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


A newbie last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle resurgence, the six-year-old gone back to the greatest level with high hopes on Merseyside, but was eventually well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.


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 conference on January 18.


"He ached and we have actually had his back figured out, so we've definitely pinpointed why he hung up the home directly," said the fitness instructor.


"We're still probably going to drop him back in trip in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a different kind of track, but he remains in extremely good order, he looks a million dollars and I'm really pleased with him.


"I was happy 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 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 glory with stable star The Jukebox Man, including: "He couldn't be much better at the minute.


"You're constantly worried about horses that have actually had injuries, especially horses with that much ability as you want them to be OK so much, but he came out of Haydock along with we might 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 don't need any missteps, however if we're in the kind I expect to be in I believe he's going to be really competitive."