3:50 – Newcastle – DIGIBET HANDICAP CHASE (CLASS 4) (5yo+ 0-110) Soft 3m
David O’Meara runs his 7 year old gelding Playing The Field at Newcastle again today in what will be his sixth career start over fences. He has made a reasonable start to his chasing career winning once and being placed once so far and he looks to have been found another winnable opportunity today.
Playing The Field won over course and distance last time out on 7 January. He was given a very patient ride by Denis O’Regan and was not put into the lead until the third last fence. He quickly went clear and although he was not fluent at the 2nd last he stayed on well to win by 3 ½ lengths but did idle once out in front on his own.
The going at Newcastle is Soft and Playing The Field has some decent form in the ground with 1 win and 4 placed efforts from 6 runs. He has also won over 3 miles and has placed form over further so has proven stamina in soft ground over extended distances.
He is ridden by Denis O’Regan again today who has ridden him on his last two starts and he gave him a wonderful ride to win here on his last start. His handicap mark has been put up 10lbs for his win but did appear to have something in hand last time.
At only 7 years old and after just 6 runs over fences there is still some potential for improvement in Playing The Field and he is in excellent hands with David O’Meara. Denis O’Regan is an excellent jockey to have on board and the fact that he rode him last time when he idled once he hit the front will probably mean that he will be put into the race a little bit later and with no ground or distance worries to consider another decent run is anticipated.
