Harrah's Hoosier Park: King Of The North crowned again in Carl Erskine

King Of The North and driver Mark MacDonald continued their winning ways just six days after capturing the Breeders Crown, as the pair dominated a group of sophomore colt and gelding trotters in the $200,000 Carl Erskine at Harrah's Hoosier Park on Friday night. King Of The North, a son of Walner trotted to a 1:52 2/5 win, his third straight after starting his sophomore season with zero wins in his first 11 tries.

Longshot Delgado and driver Sam Widger marched out boldly at the outset, moving by King Of The North to take control into the opening bend. Second choice Branded By Lindy made a costly break at the start for Yannick Gingras and would prove no factor.

Following a 26 2/5 opening panel cut by Delgado, MacDonald eased King Of The North on a slow move to regain and was well in control of the action before the 54 3/5 half-mile pole. Third choice Longshot and driver Chris Lems went on the attack through the third quarter but were unable to reach the flank of King Of The North through three-quarters in 1:23 1/5.

In the homestretch MacDonald called on King Of The North, and he marched away from his main rivals, leaving the battle for minor spoils. Delgado and Widger hung in gamely the length of the stretch at odds of better than 99-1 to secure the place spot. A wicked battle for show ensued, with Dover In Motion and Ricky Macomber Jr. making up an amazing amount of ground in the final yards after gapping through the first three-quarters. Dover In Motion edged out Chulo for the third spot.

King Of The North returned $3 to win for trainer Ray Schnittker, who co-owns the colt along with Ward, Arden Homestead, Nolamaura Racing and Steve Arnold.

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"He's a beautiful horse to be around," said MacDonald following the victory.

Co-owner Peter Gerry put it nicely. "We've been in the Standardbred business since 1892 (Arden Homestead), and he's the fastest horse we've ever had," Gerry said.

King Of The North will race next in the Matron Stakes at Dover Downs on November 10.