Despite running against only two rivals and having to fight for the win, the Anthony Nunes-trained Playfair demonstrated more than enough to suggest that he has the potential to become a runner to note in the future.

Playfair‘s triumph came in a maiden special weight contest for native-bred three-year-olds going four furlongs (800m). The race is also the start of the campaign leading up to the Classic series of races.

Playfair, a Sensational Slam-bred filly out of I Am Di One, defeated Military Machine by a head. Six racers were declared to race, but First Offense, Go West Young Man, and Indestructible were scratched.

Playfair, ridden by Raddesh Roman, broke well at the start of the race, matching strides with both The Soul Warrior (Jerome Innis) and Military Machine (Matthew Bennett). Passing the dummy rails, Playfair and Military Machine moved away from The Soul Warrior.

With neither runner willing to give up, the battle was on, but Playfair emerged victorious at the finish line.

Playfair‘s effort, according to Roman, was commendable.

“I came out there to do a job and we got it done,” Roman told the Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“I rode a very patient race. I held him and rode him for the last two furlongs.

“I did expect an easy win but I had to fight it out but the horse will only get better. He has his issues and so we hope for the best and that he will develop into a good horse,” he added.

Roman, who rode 47 winners last season, believes 2024 will be a stronger year in the saddle for him.

“I changed my agent in the latter part of last year and that was a game changer. We worked well together and the progression was made. The goal is to continue to put in the work, get the good rides, and put them away,” Roman said.