Deep Purple could run in the Anglo Irish Bank Private Banking Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, according to trainer Evan Williams. The six-year-old achieved an impressive victory at Kempton last month and is unbeaten in four starts over obstacles.

“I'll have to talk over plans with (owner) Mr Green and I have been quite happy with him, but I'll have to keep my eye on the ground,” trainer Williams said. “He's very progressive and I'm very happy with him. I'm a big fan of the horse and he has taken every step up in his stride. He looks very progressive.”

About Deep Purple’s performance at Kempton, Williams said that what he liked most was the way he battled. “You can win a lot of little races and look impressive, but you can win a lot more races with tough horses than those that look brilliant,” he added.

Finally, the trainer explained that he did not want to confirm Deep Purple as a definite starter for Cheltenham until he had talked it over with Mr. Green, but he would weight up pros and cons and go from there.