Ben Pauling is aiming to Handstands to prove his quality when he heads to Windsor for the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase on Sunday.
The Grade One-winning amateur chaser began the campaign with Cheltenham Gold Cup goals however has so far failed to repeat the top-class display screens he produced last term, leaving his handler looking for a performance that serves a prompt pointer of his capability.
"He seems in great form with himself, looks a picture and has actually had a wind op so I want to think he will run an excellent race in the Fleur de Lys," stated Pauling.
"Being reasonable, he has to go and show himself still this season. His novice form was as excellent as anyone's though, and yes he hasn't shown up at a couple of the spring festivals, but there have been authentic excuses.
"He has actually beaten Jango Baie a couple of times (in the Sidney Banks and the Scilly Isles) and he's certainly an Arkle winner who has stepped forward again this season and we were running a beautiful race in the Betfair (Chase at Haydock) before he lugged left in the home straight."
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 place Handstands on benefit, with a plethora of contests possible in the spring.
Pauling added: "He's a beautiful horse and we want keep our alternatives open and I won't simply line him up in a Gold Cup for the hell of it. But if he plays himself into the formula and ends up being a live outsider or something, then that's excellent.
"He has a Ryanair entry and he'll likewise have a National entry and he's simply an extremely great horse with a big engine and when he is right he is excellent, so ideally he'll be soon right on track."