Description
Horse racing is often referred to as the “Sport of Kings.” The elite of the thoroughbred horses that win the biggest races (i.e. Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes) are utilized for breeding when their racing days are done. The next generation of championship thoroughbreds are soon appearing at Keeneland, KY, where they are auctioned off to hopeful owners seeking their own shot at immortality. One colt that stands out is a horse with a star on its forehead, the owner soon dubs him Heliacal Star.
Heliacal Star has had his ups and downs in his racing career. However, his owner Alex Sherman is hopeful that his horse will recover from a recent injury and finish strong in his upcoming races. Matt Galiano is also interested in the future of Heliacal Star. Matt is a regular bettor at Belmont and feels a connection between himself and the horse that is almost spiritual. Matt is an adept handicapper who has been picking winners since he was a boy. However, he is shocked to learn that there is a plan to fix the race that marks Heliacal Star’s return. Matt is nearly caught eavesdropping and must make a mad dash to safety.
Matt decides to reach out and alert a trainer named Kristine Connelly. Connelly knows Heliacal Star’s current trainer and knows what he’s capable of. Unfortunately, the conspirators altered their plan after Matt was seen to be listening in. Despite getting off to an awkward start, Matt and Kristine bond over their love of horses and racing. Matt continues to attend the races but is soon attracting the attention of former associates who have a score to settle with him. Soon, Matt considers a plan to purchase Heliacal Star and have Kristine train him, but he will require a good sum of money to pull that off.
The fast-paced world of horse racing serves as the background to this entertaining novel. Matt Galiano took to horse racing as it offered a way to bond with his father. His uncanny ability to pick out winners further cemented that bond while also bringing Matt into the orbit of some shady individuals. Matt is a dreamer, but not necessarily in the run-of-the-mill fashion. He bets with precision but doesn’t attempt a foolish bet until it involves a chance to own his dream.
The men who he and Kristine butt heads against are compromised men living desperate lives. “Louisville” Larry Lonsdale is a brutish thug intent on delivering harsh punishment, yet he must keep his own betrayal secret from his murderous bosses. Ron McGee trains horses but cuts corners and cheats when it serves his own purposes, including clearing outstanding gambling debts. The plot of the narrative is straightforward, the dialogue is well-written and authentic. Author Victor Bahna tells a compelling story from start to finish.