Venitien De Mai led home a one-two for trainer Jim Dreaper and owners Alan and Ann Potts in the Woodlands 100 Club Leinster National Handicap Chase at Naas on Sunday.

Given a fine ride at the head of affairs by Jonathan Moore, the 100-30 favourite put up a terrific performance for a novice to power home six lengths ahead of stablemate Goonyella, who finished to great effect as he ran an eyecatching Crabbie's Grand National trial.

Futuramic had looked a threat when getting involved four out but was ultimately another seven and a half lengths back in third.

Dreaper confirmed Nationals now beckon for both his horses, at Fairyhouse and Aintree respectively.

He said of Venitien De Mai: "He started off well in point-to-points, but disappointed as a hurdler and didn't finish off his races. Maybe he just needs time.

"He was a bit like me in that he eats everything, but didn't show it. We sent off some of his hair for analysis and it showed up that he had a very compromised liver function, which we were able to treat.

"That performance won't help the weight he gets for the Irish National, but that is probably where he'll go now."

He added: "I was delighted with Goonyella. I couldn't see him beating Venitien De Mai giving the guts of two stone. If we can arrange a wet week before the Grand National that would be great. He stays really well, but is just short of pace."

Goonyella was partnered by Johnny Burke, retained jockey to the Potts, and he said: " I changed my mind at 11.30 on Friday morning, but it's brilliant for Venitien De Mai, who is improving.

"Goonyella jumped brilliantly, he stuck at it and roll on Aintree."

Moore said: "It was a great spin the whole way, I was always comfortable in front and he was very good to me over the last two."

HUGHES DOUBLE

Sub Lieutenant produced a gritty performance from the front to land the Grade 3 Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase.

The least fancied of the three Gigginstown-owned runners, Sandra Hughes' 9-1 chance jumped soundly at the head of a tightly-packed field before kicking for glory on the home turn under David Mullins.

Favourite Tell Us More was bang in contention at the last, but Sub Lieutenant found even more up the run-in, coming home two lengths to the good.

Hughes said: "He was very sweet out in front, the visor helped and a bit better ground. Once he can dictate and not get bossed around he's fine. He has his own way of doing things, and it's nice to see him get off the mark (over fences).

"I don't know where he will go next. He ran well at Aintree last year, and I'd not mind going there over three miles. If not he could go to Fairyhouse."

Total Recall just held on to take the €25,000 Naas Supporters Handicap Hurdle.

The Sandra Hughes-trained winner was never far away as French import Pistol Park led the way and having jumped the last in front and seemingly seen off all-comers, the line came just in time to foil fast-finishing Aengus by a neck.

The 5-1 chance was completing a quick double for Hughes and rider David Mullins after the earlier strike of Sub Lieutenant in the preceding Grade Three Directors Novice Plate.

Hughes said: "He was late coming back this season so we decided to stay over hurdles and he can go chasing next season.

"He needs further and has been hanging terribly in his races, but he was straight as a gun barrel today. He needs to go left-handed.

"He'll step up in trip and we'll see what's available for him. He could go to Aintree."

Caolaneoin (20-1) could hardly have been more impressive in the Hospitality At Naas Racecourse Beginners Chase.

Well down the field in a handicap hurdle at this track last month, he travelled better than anything off the bend and Robbie Colgan barely had to move as he enjoyed an armchair ride, just nudging him out after the final obstacle for a 10-length success.

Winning trainer Shane Nolan said: "He's plenty of ability but has also had a lot of problems, and this was nearly his last run. We brought him to a cross-country course on Thursday jumping banks and ditches instead of galloping and it's sweetened him up.

"We should have done it a long time ago. Robbie gave him a great ride. He doesn't find a lot off the bridle, and he just left him alone."

SUTTON SO SMART

Sutton Place looked a horse full of promise as he produced a stylish performance to take Listed honours in the Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle.

Burgas had taken the field along from flag-fall and was sticking to his guns pressed by Royal Caviar coming to the last, where the Barry Geraghty-winner had quickened in eyecatching fashion to join issue.

Picking up smartly from the final flight, the Gordon Elliott-trained five-year-old strode readily clear to beat Royal Caviar by six and a half lengths.

The JP McManus-owned winner was sent off the 12-1 outsider of the field behind 2-1 favourite Gurteen, who was ultimately well beaten.

Elliott said: "He'd a good run first time at Navan and then won his bumper. I thought it would be too big a step today, but he seems to be improving the whole time.

"He's a chaser really and looks a proper horse for the future."

READ THE FULL NAAS RACING REPORT IN THE IRISH FIELD