Released from prison after three years, "Ace" Bernstein plots revenge against the colleagues who betrayed him. With his trusted aide/chauffeur Gus Demitriou acting as a front for his race horse investment, Ace seeks to reverse the sagging fortunes of a famous racetrack. Meanwhile, four dissolute gamblers at the race track - Jerry, Marcus, Renzo and Lonnie - pool their meager resources to make a Pick Six bet that could be worth millions. A key to their fortunes is a long-shot horse trained by Turo Escalante, a self-made success story with loads of talent and few scruples, whoʼs also training Gus/Ace's colt. Walter Smith, another more grizzled trainer, sees classic potential in an untested thoroughbred with impressive bloodlines.
Ace meets with his parole officer and starts to line up potential investors as a public face for his next big venture. Meanwhile, Renzo stumbles into a risky proposition by making claim on a horse trained by Escalante; Jerry takes a beating at a high-stakes poker table; and Walter finds a seasoned jockey for his prized thoroughbred, much to Rosie's dismay.
Ace meets with a track owner and his parole officer, but sends Nathan Israel to discuss business with his fellow investors, who scheme to stay one step ahead of their new partner. Meanwhile, an earthquake has a curious effect on Joey's state of mind; and Leon and Rosie find their racing skills questioned by higher authorities.
Ace has a relaxing visit to the prison-outreach retirement farm for horses, but Nathan Israel has a rougher time trying to persuade Ace's new partners of his boss' sincerity. Meanwhile, Walter discusses Gettin' Up Morning's ownership with a lawyer and decides on his next rider; Jerry teams up with a card dealer to play their way into a poker tournament; Lonnie makes a solo claim on another horse; and Rosie asks Joey for representation.
Ace reacts decisively to a new wrinkle in the racetrack deal, but it's probably not a move that Smythe will take lying down. Meanwhile, Walter tries to concentrate on the historic Western Derby, in which his horse will go head-to-head with Gus'; Rosie's good news isn't so great for Leon; and Jo is injured in a stable accident.