Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands

Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with after a small back issue was identified as the cause of his below-par completing effort in last month's Betfair Chase.


A Grade One-winning amateur last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle comeback, the six-year-old gone back 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 best that day and wants to see him in a much better light at the Winter Million meeting on January 18.


"He ached and we've had his back sorted out, so we've definitely pinpointed 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 different kind of track, however he remains in extremely good 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've repaired that we'll remain in a better location."


Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)


More immediately Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase magnificence with steady star The Jukebox Man, including: "He couldn't be better at the moment.


"You're constantly worried about horses that have had injuries, specifically horses with that much capability as you desire them to be OK a lot, however he came out of Haydock as well as we could ever have hoped.


"We're starting to ramp up his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not need any missteps, but if we remain in the type I expect to be in I think he's going to be very competitive."