Evan Williams is tempted to allow Deep Purple to continue his Grand National preparation in Saturday’s Racing Plus Chase at Kempton.
The 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 (4000m) and three miles (4800m).
“I think there’s a fairly dry forecast and as long as the ground doesn’t get testing, I think he could run,” the trainer said.
“He would have a lot of weight but it’s very good prizemoney. 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 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle and the 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.
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