Violence suddenly takes the lead in the life of Neil Griffon. Following a grisly accident that lands his father in the hospital, Griffon finds himself in charge of his father's stables. Before he has a chance to get his bearings, he is brutally assaulted and abducted. The price for his freedom will mean the betrayal and deception of those who trust Griffon most. Griffon has no choice – a no-compromise crime czar gives him an ultimatum he dare not refuse. The czar insists that his own eighteen-year-old son be hired by Griffon's stable so he can ride the superstar horse, Archangel, in the Derby. And his son must be trained to win. Or else.