Pauling Wants Handstands To Blossom In Fleur De Lys

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


The Grade One-winning beginner chaser began the project with Cheltenham Gold Cup goals however has actually so far stopped working to duplicate the screens he produced last term, leaving his handler looking for a performance that serves a timely reminder of his ability.


"He seems in great type with himself, looks a picture and has actually had a wind op so I would like to think he will run a good race in the Fleur de Lys," stated Pauling.


"Being practical, he has to go and prove himself still this season. His amateur kind was as great as anyone's though, and yes he hasn't shown up at a couple of the spring celebrations, however there have been real excuses.


"He has actually 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 once again this season and we were running a lovely 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 is ready to position Handstands on benefit, with a huge selection of contests possible in the spring.


Pauling included: "He's a charming horse and we want keep our choices open and I will not just line him up in a Gold Cup for the hell of it. But if he plays himself into the formula and becomes a live outsider or something, then that's great.


"He has a Ryanair entry and he'll likewise have a National entry and he's just a really good horse with a huge engine and when he is right he is extremely great, so hopefully he'll be quickly right on track."