Pauling targets Windsor riches with Handstands

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

A Grade One-winning novice last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle comeback, the six-year-old returned to the highest level with high hopes on Merseyside, but was ultimately well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.

Pauling was adamant that his charge was not at his best that day and hopes to see him in a better light at the Winter Million meeting on January 18.

“He was sore 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 trip in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It’s a different type of track, but he’s in very good order, he looks a million dollars and I’m very happy with him.

“I was delighted 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 fixed that we’ll be in a better place.”

More immediately Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase glory with stable star The Jukebox Man, adding: “He couldn’t be better at the moment.

“You’re always nervous about horses that have had injuries, especially horses with that much ability as you want them to be OK so much, but 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 don’t need any hiccups, but if we’re in the form I expect to be in I think he’s going to be very competitive.”