News
Purple could take Plus chance
Evan Williams is tempted to allow Deep Purple to continue his John Smith's Grand National preparations in Saturday's Racing Plus Chase at Kempton.
A winner of his only start this season in Sandown's London National, Deep Purple has begun to show more of a stamina capacity at the age of 11, as he has spent most of his career running at between two and a half and three miles.
"I think there's a fairly dry forecast and as long as the ground doesn't get testing, I think he could run," said the trainer.
"He would have a lot of weight but it's very good prize-money. I hadn't thought about the National before he ran at Sandown, but now you'd have to say it's definitely on the cards."
Williams could have another interesting runner or two on the day as he has entered ex-John Oxx pair Kayalar and Zarzal in both the williamhill.com Adonis Juvenile Hurdle and the williamhill.com Dovecote Novices' Hurdle.
"They finished first and second on their first runs for me in a maiden at Lingfield the other day and I could run both of them. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Kayalar gets on," Williams added.
