The consistent Shabra's Bertolini notched his third win of the season when asserting close home in the novice handicap hurdle at Down Royal this afternoon.

The well backed 9/4 favourite (5/1 this morning) looked set for a cosy victory after he took over from stable-mate Authorative turning for home.

Anthony McCann's charge travelled best after the second last under Jonathan Moore but had to get down to work when tackled by Just Get Cracking at the final flight.

The Rita Shah-owned gelding found plenty on the run-in and was going away at the line for a three-and-three-quarter length win.

The winner had been beaten favourite on his previous two outings but made no mistake today.

"He was very unfortunate the last two starts. He was boxed in at Naas and Fairyhouse," said McCann.

"In Naas he didn't get a race. When he came back in he wasn't even blowing. He's not a bad wee horse and he's improving with every run.

"I was afraid of that tacky ground but I was happy with the weight on his back. I'll take the win. He loves battling.

"Oliver (Brady) said to me he won't be a horse to next year and he's living up to his word. It's a sad day loading the horsebox and going racing without him.

"Jonathan is one of the best 7lb claimers around."

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)