Cheltenham on the cards for Birth after Pertemps win Noble Birth bounced back to winning ways with a convincing success in the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle at Naas. The Nathaniel gelding was produced with his run between the last two flights by Dan King and galloped on strongly in the closing stages. Eric McNamara's charge posted a three-and-a-half length win over 3/1 favourite Cleatus Poolaw. The 16/1 winner holds an entry in the final of the race at Cheltenham and Paddy Power and Betfair both shortened him into 14/1 (from 20/1):- Conor McNamara, representating his father Eric, said afterwards:- “Things just didn’t quite go to plan in Musselburgh the last day, but it was lovely that he came right today. “He ran a blinder at Cheltenham back in November and was just too keen. It was my fault to put the cheek-pieces on him, but we left them off him today and he relaxed lovely. Dan gave him a lovely ride. “He was a few pounds out of the handicap today. If he gets into the Pertemps (Final) he’ll go and if he doesn’t we might look at Mallow in a month’s time and see if we can get him qualified for the Final of the Full Circle Series in Punchestown. “I’m delighted he’s come forward from the last day and we’ll look towards fences during the summer as well.” (Quotes by Alan Magee)
