Pauling Wants Handstands To Blossom In Fleur De Lys

Ben Pauling is seeking to Handstands to prove his quality when he heads to Windsor for the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase on Sunday.


The Grade One-winning newbie chaser started the campaign with Cheltenham Gold Cup goals however has actually up until now stopped working to repeat the top-class display screens he produced last term, leaving his handler looking for an efficiency that serves a timely tip of his ability.


"He seems in good form with himself, looks an image and has had a wind op so I wish to believe he will run a great race in the Fleur de Lys," said Pauling.


"Being practical, he has to go and prove himself still this season. His newbie kind was as good as anyone's though, and yes he hasn't turned up at a number of the spring festivals, but there have actually been authentic excuses.


"He has beaten Jango Baie a number of times (in the Sidney Banks and the Scilly Isles) and he's clearly an Arkle winner who has actually advance again this season and we were running a charming race in the Betfair (Chase at Haydock) before he lugged left in the home straight."


Handstands has entries for both the Ryanair Chase and Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, with Pauling already holding a strong hand in the blue riband with his King George VI Chase hero The Jukebox Man.


Handstands is poised for Windsor on Sunday (David Davies/PA)


With that in mind he wants to position Handstands on benefit, with a variety of contests possible in the spring.


Pauling added: "He's a lovely horse and we want keep our open and I won't just line him up in a Gold Cup for the hell of it. But if he plays himself into the equation and ends up being a live outsider or something, then that's terrific.


"He has a Ryanair entry and he'll also have a National entry and he's just a really good horse with a substantial engine and when he is right he is very excellent, so hopefully he'll be soon right on track."