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on March 28, 2026
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 newbie chaser started the project with Cheltenham Gold Cup aspirations however has actually so far stopped working to duplicate the top-class display screens he produced last term, leaving his handler searching for an efficiency that serves a prompt suggestion of his ability.
"He appears in great kind with himself, looks a picture and has actually had a wind op so I would like to think he will run an excellent race in the Fleur de Lys," said Pauling.
"Being realistic, he has to go and prove himself still this season. His beginner form was as excellent as anybody's though, and yes he hasn't turned up at a number of the spring celebrations, however there have actually been real excuses.
"He has 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 again this season and we were running a lovely 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 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 wants to position Handstands on merit, with a wide variety of contests possible in the spring.
Pauling included: "He's a beautiful 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 becomes a live outsider or something, then that's great.
"He has a Ryanair entry and he'll also have a National entry and he's simply a very good horse with a substantial engine and when he is right he is very excellent, so hopefully he'll be soon right on track."