Deep Purple set for spring comeback

Evan Williams reports Deep Purple to be in good form – despite suffering a slight setback at Kempton over Christmas.

After an inauspicious start to his fencing career at Wetherby, the eight-year-old ran out a comfortable winner at Taunton before turning in an impressive display in Graded company at Ascot.

He was pulled up when sent off favourite for his latest outing, but Williams was pleased to have discovered excuses for that below-par display.

“He came back from Kempton with just a little muscular problem behind the saddle that we think he picked up early in the race,” said the Vale of Glamorgan handler.

“He is back cantering and everything is spot on-with him, but we will be waiting until the spring before we run him again now.

“He’s in the Arkle but it might just come a tad too quickly for him and, if I’m perfectly honest, I think he’s better on a flatter track.

“I was very impressed with his win at Ascot a couple of starts ago and I was hugely relieved that something did come up after his Kempton run as I was so disappointed.

“I won’t rule the Arkle out but I would say it is highly unlikely he will run there.

“I would be looking more to places like Aintree, Ayr or Punchestown for him.”