Trainer Ben Pauling could barely hide his affection for Handstands as he spoke on Sunday morning, brushing a hand across the gelding’s neck before stepping in front of the cameras. The relaxed moment offered a small glimpse of how much the emerging chaser means to the yard ahead of Saturday’s Handstands Chase challenge at Haydock Park, a race Pauling believes presents the six-year-old with “his best chance” of securing a Grade One victory this season.
Handstands arrives at Haydock after a pleasing seasonal return at Carlisle on November 2, where he finished three-quarters of a length behind Resplendent Grey in the Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase. It was his first start since a subdued run at Aintree in April, and Pauling felt the Carlisle outing did exactly what he needed.
“He looked a bit ring-rusty and had a good look around,” Pauling said at a Cheltenham press conference organised by The Jockey Club. “It wasn’t electric, but it did its job. He came home extremely well and came alive last week. We know he improves for a run.”
Last season, Handstands produced two Grade Two wins before capturing the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown Park, edging subsequent top-level star Jango Baie by a short head. Pauling regards that victory as strong form despite critics suggesting the runner-up struggled on the ground.
“We were told Jango Baie didn’t enjoy the conditions, but he travelled well and proved himself afterwards,” Pauling said. “Our lad has a huge engine. I’ve enormous faith in him.”
Trainer confident ahead of Haydock return
Pauling insists conditions at Haydock will play a role, though he remains unfazed by the current forecast.
“Everyone knows he’s dangerous on proper soft ground,” he said. “But I’m not worried about good to soft either. My main concern was not wanting Saturday to become a true endurance test. If the ground is kinder, he’ll run well and still be fresh for the season ahead.”
For Pauling, who has never previously sent out a runner in the prestigious Haydock Grade One, the upcoming opportunity feels significant.
“It’s the first time I’ve had a runner in this race,” he said. “I’m a realist, and I genuinely believe this is his best chance of a Grade One success this season. We’ll give it everything.”
The Jukebox Man also set for Saturday return
Alongside Handstands, Pauling is preparing The Jukebox Man for the £50,000 Graduation Chase, the seven-year-old’s first start since his emphatic win in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park last Boxing Day. Owned by former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp, the chaser remains unbeaten over fences.
“He’s in serious form,” Pauling said. “This graduation chase suits him perfectly. He’s been off since Christmas and may be vulnerable fitness-wise, but we need a proper race to get him tuned for the King George. Harry visited yesterday and didn’t want to leave his box—he’s incredibly attached to him.”
Ben Jones will ride both stable stars on the day.
“In 13 years of training, this is the first time I’ve had proper open-graded horses,” Pauling added. “They weren’t expensive, but they were well found, and they’ve taken us to wonderful places. The team at home deserve huge credit.”
Samuel Spade completes the team
Pauling also expects to run Samuel Spade in the Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle.
“He had a lovely prep run and looks well. The track suits, the mark is fair, and he should be competitive.”
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