Amidst the fervor of westward expansion, obscene wealth from ‘king cotton,’ duels across the river, yellow fever, and a rising bitterness between the North and South, a zeal for horse racing binds the young nation together.

While the underbelly of slavery taints it all.

Determined to stay untouched by politics, Ben keeps his head down and his focus strong. Yet, in a country churning with change, circumstances force him to face the friction that sparks and flashes around him. Should he follow the law? Or do what’s right? When unexpected love blooms, will romance derail dreams of becoming one of the nation’s top trainers?