Servo Computer Services Trophy Handicap Chase

The Servo Computer Services Trophy Handicap Chase is likely to develop into a war of attrition with nearly three and a half miles of Cheltenham's undulations to be circum-navigated, and 21 daunting fences to be negotiated. Martin Pipe has saddled this race four times in the last decade so, as in the case of the Paddy Power Gold Cup earlier in the card, his son David, who is in his first year at the helm at Nicholashayne, will have the weight of expectation resting on his shoulders. From three entries at the three-day declaration stage, Pipe relies on ex Pointer Joaaci. The six-year-old would come firmly into the reckoning if in the same form which saw him mow down Lord Of Illusion in a similarly competitive staying event here in January. However, the gelding is now 7lb higher in the ratings and, even more disconcertingly, he failed to complete in his final three starts of last term. He was brought down in the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick, which appeared to affect his confidence, as he was well beaten when falling at Haydock next time and then posted a thoroughly lacklustre effort at Aintree where he was pulled up. It could be that the break has done him good and no doubt connections will have sought to remedy the psychological malady incurred during his involvement in that Warwick pile-up. But much has to be taken on trust - too much for my liking - so I am going to side with the Paul Nicholls-trained My Will, who goes well fresh and deserves to win a race like this. He is well worth a punt at 6/1 with bet365. My Will hasn't got his head in front since, incidentally, narrowly beating Joaaci in a novices' chase at Perth in April 2005, but in nine subsequent outings six-year-old has barely put a foot wrong. The selection's best performances have come on stiff tracks and over marathon trips, so this stamina test at Prestbury Park should be tailor made for him. Gradually his propensity to clap the odd fence is diminishing, and although he's currently off a career-high mark, that mark of 150 looks fair for a horse of his ability. Considering that the good to firm surface was far too quick for him in the Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown in April, My Will ran a cracking race to finish just over one length third to Lacdoudal. On 3lb better terms and with more juice in the ground this time, he can turn the tables on Philip Hobbs' charge. Lacdoudal goes well fresh and is bound to make a bold bid, although he faces a stiff task giving weight all round. Take The Stand is another whom may have to much led to carry, while Sir Rembrandt is a grand old stager but he looks vulnerable to more progressive types. Idle Talk was a leading novice last season, a campaign during which he ran out of his skin when chasing home Star de Mohaison in the Sun Alliance Chase at the Festival here in March, and lost little caste in defeat when fourth to Run For Paddy in the Scottish National at Ayr where he appeared to find the four-mile-one-furlong trip too searching a test. This bold jumper should go well if fit enough to do himself justice on his reappearance and is fancied reverse the placings with Run For Paddy on 4lb better terms. However, he is an out and out galloper and he may struggle to contain the strong-finishing My Will. Verdict - 1pt win My Will @ 6/1 (bet365)