She Went to the Races (1945) Frances Gifford, James Craig, Ava Gardner

When the funding for their project is threatened, a group of studious research scientists, led by demure Dr. Ann Wotters (Frances Gifford), gets inspired to devise a foolproof system for betting on horses in order to raise the necessary cash. At the Pasadena, Calif. , racetrack, Ann falls in love with cocky racehorse owner Steve Canfield (James Craig), whose exgirlfriend and racing rival, Hilda Spotts (Ava Gardner), tries to convince Steve to marry her so they can merge their racing teams.