Ben Pauling will target the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor with Handstands after a minor back concern was identified as the reason for his below-par ending up effort in last month's Betfair Chase.

A Grade One-winning newbie last season and narrowly beaten by Resplendent Grey on his Carlisle return, the six-year-old gone back to the greatest level with high hopes on Merseyside, however was ultimately well beaten as he passed the post last of four finishers.

Pauling was determined that his charge was not at his best that day and wishes to see him in a much better light at the Winter Million meeting on January 18.

"He was sore and we have actually had his back arranged out, so we've definitely pinpointed why he hung up the home directly," said the trainer.

"We're still probably going to drop him back in journey in the Fleur De Lys at Windsor. It's a various kind of track, however he's in excellent order, he looks a million dollars and I'm extremely pleased with him.

"I was happy with the method he went through three-quarters of the race at Haydock and it was uncharacteristic of him to be a weak finisher. I believe now we have actually fixed that we'll be in a much better location."

Handstands in action at Sandown (John Walton/PA)

More instantly Pauling has his eyes on King George VI Chase glory with steady star The Jukebox Man, including: "He couldn't be better at the moment.

"You're always anxious about horses that have actually had injuries, especially horses with that much ability as you desire them to be OK a lot, but he came out of Haydock along with we might ever have hoped.

"We're to ramp up his work, it's not long now and we're getting to the stage where we do not need any missteps, but if we remain in the kind I expect to be in I believe he's going to be extremely competitive."