Harrah's Hoosier Park: On To Norway victorious in Caesars Trotting Classic

On To Norway regained winning form with a powerful first-over assault, wearing down the field to capture the Grade 2 $200,000 Caesars Trotting Classic at Harrah's Hoosier Park on Friday night for driver John De Long. On To Norway, a 4-year-old by Muscle Massive, won for the 10th time in 12 starts this year, covering the mile in 1:51 2/5.

Antognoni S, sent off as the 6-5 choice in the field of eight, rushed out to the early lead for Yannick Gingras over Ponda Jet. Lexus Kody broke at the outset and was never a factor. French Wine and Jason Bartlett brushed hard following a 26 4/5 opening quarter to gain control of the field before hitting the half in 55 seconds flat.

De Long moved On To Norway into the final turn and was briefly pushed a little wider when Gingras moved Antognoni S to challenge for the lead. French Wine's lead was slipping at three quarters in 1:23 2/5. For much of the early stretch three horses were dueling for the lead, but De Long urged his horse, and On To Norway responded as he has throughout his brilliant career for trainer Ron Burke, overpowering the leaders.

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French Wine battled hard with Antognoni S to the wire and finished ahead of him but was out-sprinted by 95-1 shot Gimpanzee Dancer along the pylons for the place spot.

On To Norway is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Frank Baldachino, Black And White Stable and Michael Rosenthal. It was the 37th career victory for On To Norway, who pushed his career bank account to $1,247,131. As the second choice On To Norway returned $5.60 to win.

"For a year and a half, I haven't lost," said De Long of his experience sitting behind On To Norway. "If you can get alongside a horse at the head of the stretch, he will not lose."