50 to 1 2014

     This film is based on a true story from 2009.  Mine That Bird was an underdog of a racehorse but a group of Mew Mexico cowboys cared about him and had confidence he could be a winner.  David Cotey purchased Bird for $9,500 from a yearling sale in 2007.  Bird started his racing at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada.  He was then sold for $400,000 to the New Mexico partnership of Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine.  His training was taken over by Chip Woolley.  His jockey, Calvin Borel used a technique that was a ground-saving, rail-skimming riding method that he had used before in a Kentucky Derby win.

     I thought this was good and it has good character development.  You really want this team to win and especially after the way their group is treated at one of the races.  The feeling is clearly broadcast that these are country boys with a low chance of winning.  Throwing money at a horse doesn’t guarantee a win!!  3 ½* (I liked this movie)

110 min, Drama directed by Jim Wilson with Skeet Ulrich, Christian Kane, William Devane, Madelyn Deutch, Todd Lowe, David Atkinson, Calvin Borel, Jessi Badami.

Note:  Imdb 6.6 out of 10, 17% critic 72% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.4* out of 5* with 243 reviews.

Special Note:  Actual race footage is included in the film and Calvin Borel is the actual jockey.  Bird finished 2^nd in the Preakness Stakes and 3^rd in the Belmont Stakes.  Bird had a racing career in Canada and the United States from 2008 to 2010.  He retired on 11/6/2010.