take the field

Verb

 * 1) To go out onto the playing field.
 * 2) To begin military operations.
 * 3)  To stake one's money against the favourite, taking the chances of the field against the chance of one horse.
 * 1) To begin military operations.
 * 2)  To stake one's money against the favourite, taking the chances of the field against the chance of one horse.
 * 1)  To stake one's money against the favourite, taking the chances of the field against the chance of one horse.