Pauling Wants Handstands To Blossom In Fleur De Lys

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


The Grade One-winning amateur chaser began the campaign with Cheltenham Gold Cup goals however has so far failed to duplicate the top-class screens he produced last term, leaving his handler searching for an efficiency that serves a prompt reminder of his capability.


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


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


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


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 willing to put Handstands on merit, with a variety of contests possible in the spring.


Pauling added: "He's a charming horse and we desire keep our choices 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 formula and becomes a or something, then that's terrific.


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