Royal Ascot's first day, and bookmaker Ned Talbot watches helplessly as astring of favourites come in. With the punters totting up their winnings,he counts his losses. Then an old man steps forward with a very differentclaim. The father Ned never knew - long ago believed killed in a car crash- is standing before him. Barely an hour later, Ned's newly-found father isdying in Ascot's car park. Stabbed by an unknown assailant, he warns Ned'be very careful'. But of whom? Of what? Ned races to discover the truthbehind his father's disappearance and sudden reappearance. It's not justmoney on the line now. It's lives.