Racing: Aintree for Native Upmanship

Native Upmanship is not going to make the long journey to Japan for the Nakayama Grand Jump next month following a hard race at Cheltenham.

Instead, Irish trainer Arthur Moore is to aim the Queen Mother Champion Chase runner-up nearer home at Aintree for the Martell Melling Chase on April 5.

‘‘He’s not going to Japan, he’ll go to Liverpool,’’ Moore said.

‘‘It’s a very long journey after having had such a hard race at Cheltenham. We’d like to go for the race, it’s very tempting, but we’ve decided this year that we won’t.’’

After his fine effort over two miles at Cheltenham last week when he was a staying-on three lengths second to Flagship Uberalles, Native Upmanship should relish the step back up to two and a half miles.

‘‘We hope so. He’s certainly come out of the race well,’’ added Moore.