On DVD or VHS:

 

The year is 1981 and in racing, a colt has risen to prominence just weeks before the Derby. After failing to win in five straight starts, PLEASANT COLONY captures the important Wood Memorial with a strong stretch run. Off this one success his new trainer, the brash New Yorker, Johnny Campo, is getting all the credit - he'd been asked to take over only weeks before the colt's big victory.

A brewing sentimental story is attached to the colt, his jockey, Jorge Velazquez - the winner of 4,000 races is haunted by a glaring omission - he has never won a Triple Crown race. So for Campo, the big talker without big results, and for Velazquez, as well, the 107th Kentucky Derby looms as the means to validate incomplete careers.

PLEASANT COLONY's win in the Wood had helped place him in fourth at the Derby betting table in a bloated field of 21 horses. As the horses turned for home down the stretch the "come-from-behind" horse blazed to the lead and captured the roses, solidifying his jockey and trainer's name in racing history.

Next, the Preakness victory and more outrageous interviews with the brash Campo who predicted his win in the second jewel.

Finally on to the Belmont and Campo's New York home turf where spirits were flying high and PLEASANT COLONY was at the top of his game - unfortunately is was not to be. So the racing world was denied its twelfth Triple Crown winner - instead PLEASANT COLONY became the tenth horse to win the first and second legs in the, "Run for the Crown", only to falter in the Belmont.

 

AS AN ADDED BONUS...two brief segments are shown after the main feature ends:



1) SUMMING stole the show from PLEASANT COLONY at the 1981 Belmont and once again the racing world discovered how difficult it is to win the Triple Crown. Rare footage of both horses retired and flying free in their paddocks is shown: PLEASANT COLONY at Buckland Farm and SUMMING at Jonabell Farm

2) News of PLEASANT COLONY's death spreads as he peacefully expires in his sleep



30 Minutes.

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