Pauling Targets Windsor Riches With Handstands
Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a small back problem was recognized as the reason for his below-par ending up effort in last month's Betfair Chase.
A Grade One-winning newbie 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 4 finishers.
Pauling was adamant that his charge was not at his finest that day and intends to see him in a better light at the Winter Million conference on January 18.
"He was aching and we have actually had his back figured out, so we have actually certainly pinpointed why he hung up the home straight," stated the trainer.
"We're still probably going to drop him back in trip in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a various kind of track, but he's in extremely good order, he looks a million dollars and I'm really happy 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 believe now we have actually that we'll be 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 always worried about horses that have actually had injuries, specifically horses with that much capability as you desire 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 stage where we don't need any hiccups, however if we remain in the form I expect to be in I think he's going to be really competitive."