Native Upmanship is on course for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham after relishing the testing conditions when easily landing the odds in the Digifone Kinloch Brae Chase.
Barry Cash's mount cruised past the front-running Ferbet Junior approaching the home turn, and galloped on strongly to beat Wicked Crack by ten lengths.
'That will give him alot of confidence. I was very pleased with his jumping as he was a bit deliberate earlier this season,' said trainer Arthur Moore before adding, 'I am praying for rain at Cheltenham and, if he has a run before the Queen Mother, it will be in the Newlands Chase at Naas (February 24).'
Cashmans leave the nine-year-old gelding unchanged at 10/1 for the two miler at Cheltenham, while Ladbrokes cut his price to 6/1 (from 7's).
Be My Belle, who caused a shock when beating both Boss Doyle and Sackville at Gowran Park last week, had a much simpler task in the opening INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle and duly justified prohibitive odds of 1/8 against three inferior rivals.
'She will have a little break before the final of this series at Fairyhouse (a three miles handicap hurdle) on February 23. She has a lovely pedigree, and it would be great to get her some black type,' said trainer Sean Treacy.
Eoins Pride provided favourite backers with further joy in the Saddlers Hall Hunters Chase, but only after getting the better of a protracted battle in the straight with The Wipper.
'He is a tough little fella, and has already won five point-to-points. He will mix it between points and hunter chases, and I was surprised how well he handled the ground,' said trainer Enda Bolger.
Alan Magee
