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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Deep Purple Set for Repeat Bid in Peterborough Chase
01/11/10

Deep Purple is set to bid for a repeat victory in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on December 9 after posting a decent performance in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby.

Deep Purple
© racing-images.co.uk

Given that the 9-y-o was conceding 10 lb to the winner, Nacarat, his third place was creditable and trainer Evan Williams had this to say;

"He made a mistake down the back straight and got shuffled back, and then the 10lb penalty he had probably kicked in a bit. He rallied very enthusiastically in the home straight and was only beaten six and a lengths in total. I'm very happy with the horse this morning. He's come out of the race exceptionally well and I'd have to be over the moon with that because he was probably back to his best.

"As far as handicap ratings go I would say we come out of things with a very gallant run indeed. It was a good start because I wasn't happy with him after the King George last year, I don't think he wasn't in the same form. It looks like we've got the horse back on form and it's quite exciting now and there are plenty of places we can go with him. We'll definitely aim for the Peterborough. He carried a penalty in that race last year and it was by far his best run of the season. That track plays more to his strengths than perhaps Wetherby does so I think we will get our heads down and aim for the Peterborough."

Plumpton host one of their Monday meetings and in the 1.20, Frosted Grape should be very hard to beat. Only a 4-y-o filly, she has done very well in winning two handicap chases by 41-lengths and 14-lengths, running to a mark of 126. This is a mare’s hurdle and this prominent racer really ought to take all the beating on these terms.

Recommendation: 1.20 Plumpton – Frosted Grape