AINTREE REPORT: Arthur Moore might not have much luck when it comes to the Grand National but Native Upmanship proved yesterday that the Naas trainer's Mildmay aim remains sure, writes Brian O'Connor.

Conor O'Dwyer's mount went one better than in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham after a rousing battle up the straight with Wahiba Sands and Fadalko in the Melling Chase.

Native Upmanship looked like coming out worst of the trio for much of the struggle, but over his ideal two-and-a-half-mile trip he came into his own in the closing stages to win by a length.

Moore, who has yet to saddle a finisher from nine runners in the National, paid the horse the ultimate tribute of placing his trilby on Native Upmanship's head for the post-race photos.

It's a tradition that started with the 1975 National winner, L'Escargot, trained by his father Dan, and Moore said yesterday: "We save the hat for very special occasions and this was a very special occasion!"

He added: "I would have been disappointed if he had been beaten, because he came out of Cheltenham in fantastic shape. This is a great thrill and Conor gave him a great ride.

"The ground will influence where he goes next; but I would definitely like to have a look at Punchestown. I'd also love to go for the King George next year. He's got to be a King George-type horse."

The Irish dominance in the big races continued with Its Time For a Win who was as foot perfect over the big fences as anyone could wish for in the Topham.

The Willie Mullins-trained left-handed specialist, travelled like a winner from some way out and came home six lengths ahead of Monty's Pass, with another Irish horse, Shannon Gale, back in fourth.

"Having seen the way he jumped round there, I must aim to get him qualified for next year's National," Mullins said.

The runner-up will be aimed at the Galway Plate again and rider Barry Geraghty reported: "I had every chance; but the winner won very well."

Some of the top jockeys know exactly how fast the ground will be today , having taken some crashing falls.

Tony McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald and Richard Johnson will have to pass the course doctor this morning before being allowed to ride.

McCoy took a nasty fall from Iznogoud in the novices' chase, picked up a cut nose, and was stood down for the final race.

However, he should be cleared to ride today, as should Fitzgerald, who took a fall in the opener and stood himself down after riding Tiutchev in the big race. Johnson received a minor back injury when falling from Gower Slave in the Topham.

O'Dwyer and Moore almost added to Native Upmanship's success in the concluding handicap where Farinel emerged from a barging match with Fnan to throw down a challenge to the hot favourite Ravenswood.

Farinel failed by three lengths but the high-class Barton made no mistake in the novice chase and will be trained for the Gold Cup next season.

"He reminds me very much of One Man," said Barton's jockey Tony Dobbin. "He is beyond doubt the best horse I have ever ridden."