TRAINER Dessie Hughes sent out his Aintree Grand National contenders Vic Venturi and Black Appalachi to fill the first two places in the Grade Two At The Races Bobyjo Chase at Fairyhouse yesterday and is very much hoping both horses will give a good account of themselves in the Aintree showpiece.

The Paddy Flood-ridden Vic Venturi took it up racing away from the fourth last fence and was always travelling like the winner from that point on, going away to beat his stable-mate Black Appalachi, who was successful in this race last year, by eight lengths in the colours of Seamus Dunne.

Vic Venturi had his price for further Aintree glory trimmed to 14-1 by Ladbrokes and 12-1 with Victor Chandler. Hughes remarked: "I was delighted with both horses and they look like real Grand National contenders.

"I was very pleased with Black Appalachi, in particular, considering it was only his second run of the season and his first over fences since unseating his rider in last year's National."

Edward O'Grady's Triumph Hurdle candidate Alaivan stormed right back into the Cheltenham picture when justifying odds-on favouritism in the Grade Two Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle by 17 lengths under Andrew McNamara.

The Kalanisi gelding lost his unbeaten record over timber when beaten by Carlito Brigante at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting and O'Grady commented: "I was a bit disappointed with that run, but he was beaten by a good horse.

"Last Wednesday was the first time I've been pleased with his work so hopefully he's going in the right direction."