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 de Lys Chase on Sunday.


The Grade One-winning newbie chaser started the project with Cheltenham Gold Cup goals but has actually so far failed to repeat the top-class displays he produced last term, leaving his handler looking for an efficiency that serves a prompt reminder of his capability.


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


"Being practical, he needs to go and prove himself still this season. His newbie form was as great as anyone's however, and yes he hasn't shown up at a number of the spring festivals, but there have been authentic reasons.


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


Handstands has entries for both the Ryanair Chase and Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, with Pauling currently 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 prepared to place Handstands on merit, with a wide variety of contests possible in the spring.


Pauling added: "He's a lovely horse and we desire keep our options open and I will not simply 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 fantastic.


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