Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story

Ben Crane focuses obsessively on training horses, neglecting his precocious daughter, Cale. He pours his energy into the horses at the training yard, leaving little time for family. Cale feels invisible as she watches him live for work rather than them.

Determined to be part of his world, Cale prods Ben to take her along to the stables. After some persistence, Ben agrees to bring her to work for a day. The moment marks the start of their effort to reconnect.

Soñador refuses to leave her stall. Ben notices her leg feels warm, but Palmer pushes to get her on the track. During the race, Soñador injures herself badly, and Palmer insists she be put down. To avoid showing the child the worst of it, Ben strikes a deal and becomes owner of the wounded horse, at the cost of his job.

Facing financial ruin, Ben decides to breed Soñador in hopes of a turnaround. Soñador gets a cast on her injured leg and begins to recover. Pop lends money to cover the breeding, enabling the plan to proceed.

Cale sneaks out at night to visit Soñador, keeping watch over her progress. She also visits her grandfather, Pop, who loves teaching her about horses. The shared moments deepen their bond and reveal a family that needs Soñador.

Ben and Cale go to a breeding farm to select a stallion; the stud fee is too high. Pop contributes money to cover the fee, and Ben reluctantly agrees to proceed. The vet tests Soñador and discovers she cannot have a foal.

Back home, Ben tells Lilly that Soñador has ruined them by being infertile, while Lilly insists the horse has done the family good by bringing Ben back to his daughter. Ben admits that if Cale had not been there the day Soñador was hurt, he would have let her be put down.

Cale, hurt by the tension, runs away with Soñador and saddles her; Ben enters the barn and a tense chase ensues. Soñador bolts with Cale clinging on, demonstrating her speed despite the injury. Ben eventually catches up, rescues them, and the two return home.

Father and daughter decide to race Soñador in a competition; however, Soñador is claimed by a new owner after the race. Cale is angry at Ben for entering the horse and jeopardizing their bond and future.

At a parent-teacher night, Ben reads a story Cale wrote about a king and his horse, realizing how much Soñador is needed. He buys Soñador back with money from his father, reaffirming their family bond. Cale's relationship with her father and horse begins to heal.

Cale resolves to race Soñador in the Breeders Cup Classic, with Manny as jockey. They begin training vigorously and secure a wealthy sponsor. The plan centers on giving Soñador one last chance at a comeback.

On the day of the Breeders Cup Classic, Ben notices that Soñador's leg is warm and contemplates withdrawing. Soñador refuses to return to the stall and pushes forward. Manny and Soñador ride to win, fulfilling the hope of a family and horse finding a fresh start.