Purple takes Peterborough plunge

Deep Purple is primed to step back in trip for the totesport.com Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Wednesday week.

The eight-year-old was a useful performer in novice chase company last term, bagging two Grade Two victories as well as being placed at Aintree for trainer Evan Williams.

Deep Purple returned in a blaze of glory when making a successful leap in trip to three miles and a furlong in last month’s Charlie Hall at Wetherby.

Williams’ charge edged out Tamarinbleu by a head that day and the trainer had expected the race to leave a bigger mark.

He said: “The Peterborough is very much the plan, although I wouldn’t want to see too much more rain. Huntingdon does drain well, though.

“He’s in great shape. I thought he looked like he had a tough race at Wetherby, it was a real battle over the last couple of fences, and I thought running him over that trip first time out might take it out of him.

“He worked well last week, and works again tomorrow, and seems in fine form.”