Ben Pauling Chooses Aintree for Handstands over Cheltenham, Eyeing Future Grade 1 Targets

Ben Pauling, a seasoned trainer with an eye for promising talent, is making strategic choices for his Grade 1-winning novice chaser, Handstands. This decision sees him skipping the renowned Cheltenham Festival, opting instead to aim for Aintree in April. With muscle and grit, Handstands carved a name at the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase by outpacing Jango Baie. Pauling is honing in on the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree next, eyeing races like Kempton’s King George VI Chase as future milestones.

Pauling relishes in Handstands’ resilience post-victory, noting the horse’s robust recovery. ‘He’s bounced out of Saturday – you wouldn’t know he’s had a race – and I think we’ll go straight to Aintree from here,’ Pauling enthused, his words echoing with the satisfaction of a plan well executed. Having shown prowess over two and a half miles, Pauling firmly believes Handstands’ potential will truly unfold over a three-mile challenge.

The trainer is tickled by Handstands’ blend of speed and endurance, sensing a thrilling odyssey ahead. ‘He’s got plenty of speed and stamina, so it’s an exciting time ahead, and I suspect we’ll look to go three miles on better ground at Aintree,’ Pauling explained, plotting a course that balances ambition with strategic foresight.

Two Titans: Handstands and The Jukebox Man

Handstands’ victory is a bright moment in a week shadowed by the absence of another stable star, The Jukebox Man. The Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase winner has been sidelined by injury. Yet, Pauling’s optimism isn’t dimmed; he’s already envisaging both horses in next season’s King George VI Chase lineup. ‘Next season’s King George looks a pretty obvious route’, Pauling hypothesized.

‘We’d have one run before we got there. It would be a similar feel to The Jukebox Man’s season I think,’ he mused, considering the narrative of two giants potentially clashing on a prestigious stage. Pauling is seasoned enough to plan meticulously, ensuring the path for his equine athletes remains thoughtful and deliberate.

Staying the Course and Keeping Strategy Intact

Despite the temporary setback with The Jukebox Man, Pauling remains resolute. Bringing Handstands in as a substitute for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase in March was never in his cards. ‘I don’t think we’ll consider Cheltenham, we didn’t enter him for a reason,’ Pauling asserted. It’s clear that deviating from their devised strategy in response to The Jukebox Man’s benching would be counterproductive in his view.

Rather, Pauling’s eyes remain on carefully nurturing Handstands, developing his profile over longer distances and firmer turf, ultimately leading to bigger grandeur stages like the King George.

Looking Ahead: Laying the Foundation

In the dynamic realm of British horse racing, Pauling’s calculated approach highlights the delicate weaving of immediate goals with long-range ambitions. His focus on letting horses like Handstands chart steady progress is a testament to a culture of foresight in racing.

Handstands’ future, steeped in promise, is a narrative of patience meeting opportunity, a core philosophy for trainers who respect the pace of equestrian development. As Pauling fine-tunes Handstands for the challenges ahead, the echoes of hooves pounding the turf serve as a reminder of racing’s eternal blend of tradition and emerging talent.