Ben Pauling’s yard is enjoying a strong spell at the moment, with a steady flow of winners and solid performances from his runners over the past few weeks. After a particularly productive second half of February, Pauling has been keeping the scoreboard ticking over into early March, landing notable victories and plenty of placed efforts across the country. With Cheltenham just around the corner, it’s exactly the sort of form you want to see from a stable that tends to have its team peaking at the right time.

Over the last fortnight alone, Pauling has sent out winners at Southwell, Kempton, Ludlow, and Warwick, as well as a flurry of placed efforts. The signs are clear: when his runners are fancied, they are running to their marks, and even the longer-priced ones are hitting the frame. It’s well worth paying attention to anything he runs at the moment, particularly when regular rider Ben Jones is on board, given the strong strike-rate they’ve developed as a partnership.

Today’s Only Runner: Bank On Frank (2.10 Fontwell)

Pauling sends just one runner to Fontwell today in the shape of Bank On Frank, who goes in the opening 2m novice hurdle. On paper, he’s not the most obvious winner, priced around 12/1, and still a maiden under rules. However, Timeform have noted some promise, particularly from his latest run at Lingfield when finishing third, 29 lengths behind the winner but pulling well clear of the rest of the field. That came under a 10lb claimer, and the horse looked to be finishing off well enough to suggest there’s more to come.

Timeform Comment on Bank On Frank:

“Half caught the eye under a 10-lb claimer and could be one to note for handicaps over further; raced well off the pace, still only 2 behind home turn, went third flat and came clear of rest.“

This suggests that while today’s race might not be the ultimate target, Bank On Frank is starting to show enough to keep an eye on, especially when he eventually switches into handicap company over longer trips. He has the size and scope to progress, and the yard clearly believe there’s something to work with, having been patient with him since his point-to-point days.

What to Look Out For with Ben Pauling Runners:

• Fontwell is one of his better tracks (20% strike-rate lifetime).
• The stable thrives with novices and handicappers, often improving for a few runs into the season.
• Watch for money—Pauling’s gambles have landed regularly during this hot spell.
• Ben Jones in the saddle is usually a positive sign.
• Horses tend to progress for experience, so lightly-raced types are rarely out for just a spin.

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Final Word

Whether Bank On Frank gets competitive today or not, the real takeaway is Pauling’s form. His yard is clearly firing, and that makes his runners dangerous wherever they go. With Cheltenham looming, now is the time to keep him on your radar—not just for the Festival but across the bread-and-butter cards where his horses are often slipping under the radar at decent prices.

Sometimes, you don’t need fireworks—just a trainer in form, horses running to their marks, and a bit of patience. Ben Pauling ticks all those boxes right now.