Purple aiming for Wayward win

Deep Purple looks to build on his burgeoning reputation over fences in the Stan James Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton tomorrow.

Evan Williams’ seven-year-old was a smart performer over timber but looks booked for even greater heights over the bigger obstacles.

He recovered from a disappointing debut effort at Wetherby to win his last two starts, most recently in Grade Two company at Ascot.

Deep Purple, who will be ridden by Christian Williams for the first time, comes up against some strong opposition at Kempton though, with Paul Nicholls’ Oumeyade and Nicky Henderson’s French Opera among a field of six.

“I was over the moon with him the last day,” said Williams. “The Ascot race was the one I’d been thinking of for some time but he did it so well.

“There aren’t too many options around on tracks that don’t get too wet, but Kempton is one of those where you get decent ground.

“I feel a little bit sorry for Paul (Moloney) as he has to go and ride at Chepstow – he has a very good relationship with the horse.

“Christian has done plenty of schooling on the horse though and has ridden him on a day-to-day basis.

“It will be terribly interesting. I was very impressed with him last week and even though Paul has ridden him to all of his victories, I see no reason why Christian won’t get on well with him on the track.

“Fingers crossed, I hope he can run very well again.”