Bred in Florida, he was a son of Intentionally and out of the mare My Dear Girl, the 1959 American Champion Two-Year-Old Filly.
His damsire was Santa Anita Derby winner Rough'n Tumble, who sired U.S.
[2] In Reality is best remembered for his win in the Florida Derby and his runner-up performance in the Preakness Stakes to Eclipse Award Champion and millionaire Damascus.
In Reality made one more attempt at another stakes in the Jerome Handicap and again was second; after that, he laid off for the rest of the season.
In Reality retired soon after his win in the Metropolitan to stand at stud for Frances A. Genter in Florida.