Anderson, IN — This Is The Plan and Yannick Gingras parlayed a perfect second-over journey behind defending Horse of the Year McWicked (Brian Sears) to score in 1:48.4 on Friday (Sept. 20) in the $176,000 Harrah’s Hoosier Park Pacing Derby.

Endeavor (Sam Widger) and Filibuster Hanover (Chris Page) finished second and third in a tight finish.

This Is The Plan scored in 1:48.4 on Friday in the $176,000 Harrah’s Hoosier Park Pacing Derby. Dean Gillette photo.

Leaving from post position two, This Is The Plan got away in fifth position while Endeavor and Widger led the field of 10 through the opening quarter in :26.3. Content to remain in that position behind a first-over McWicked, This Is The Plan and Gingras tracked his every move through fractions of :54 and 1:21.4 put up by Filibuster Hanover.

As McWicked advanced to make his bid for victory, Gingras pulled This Is The Plan and the 4-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere exploded off cover to sail by the stallion. Despite it being a cavalry charge in the shadow of the wire, This Is The Plan appeared to have plenty in reserve.

“We are absolutely thrilled,” said Mickey Burke of the Ron Burke Stable. “This was a great race with great horses in it as you could see with how many horses were right there at the end.”

While he has been extremely competitive all season, This Is The Plan has also experienced some difficult journeys which have contributed to his six second place finishes.

“I wanted to race him from behind and maybe take back and follow behind McWicked,” Gingras said. “It could not have worked out any better.

“This horse has never put in a bad performance. He has been very sharp since the Ben Franklin and he has had some tough luck. He deserved a good trip and I tried to give him one tonight.”

Trained by Ron Burke and owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, J&T Silva- Purnel & Libby, and Larry Karr, This Is The Plan collected his third win of the season and the 10th of his career. His record is now 48-10-14-7 and he has earned more than $1.38 million.

As the co-second choice, This Is The Plan paid $9.60 to win.