Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase
Windsor 15:05
£165,000 guaranteed,
5yo plus,
2m 6f 10y, Class 2   
Sunday 18th January 2026

Ben Pauling lines up his plans much as a commentator might trace the arc of a race unfolding before us, with Handstands now set to be steered towards Windsor.

The six-year-old’s tame finish in last month’s Betfair Chase had prompted a few raised eyebrows, but a minor back issue has since been identified as the culprit, offering a clearer picture of why a horse with Grade One-winning credentials failed to fire on Merseyside.

Last season’s novice star, narrowly denied by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle return, went back into top-level company with hopes high. Yet as he trailed home last of the four to complete, it was immediately apparent he had not run to form. Pauling, though, refused to accept that the performance told the whole story and now looks to the Winter Million meeting on January 18 as the next point on the map.

“He was sore and we’ve had his back sorted out, so we’ve definitely pinpointed why he hung up the home straight,” said the trainer.

“We’re still probably going to drop him back in trip in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It’s a different type of track, but he’s in very good order, he looks a million dollars and I’m very happy with him.

“I was delighted with the way he went through three-quarters of the race at Haydock and it was uncharacteristic of him to be a weak finisher. I think now we’ve fixed that we’ll be in a better place.”

Fleur De Lys Chase
£165,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 2m 6f 10y, Class 2
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