by Dean A. Hoffman

The field for the World Trotting Derby is small but select.

It includes the Hambletonian winner and world champion Vivid Photo, as well as Muscle Memory, the third-place finisher in the Hambletonian, and Self Professed, fifth in the Hambo.

Great George Two equaled the track and stakes record in his division of the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Trot at The Syracuse Mile on Sunday, August 21.

It also includes the Cinderella trotter Great George Two, a horse who has shown extraordinary speed in some of his races this year, but seems to be plagued with bad luck when the big money is up for grabs.

Also a factor in the race is Diesel Don, one of the early season favorites for the Hambletonian. He was very impressive in winning last weekend over older horses at The Red Mile.

Here is a quick look at the entrants in alphabetical order:

Diesel Don 3, 1:55.3 ($220,867)

2005 5 1-2-0

Trainer: Chuck Sylvester

Great George Two 3, 1:52.1s ($179,975)

2005 11 7-1-0

Trainer: William “Bib” Roberts

Keaton Zet 3, Q1:55.4 ($120,577)

2005 7 0-0-1

Trainer: Jimmy Takter

Muscle Memory 3, 1:55.1 ($323,980)

2005 9 4-0-2

Trainer: Jimmy Takter

Self Professed 3, 1:54 ($207,004)

2005 7 2-2-0

Trainer: Don Swick

Vivid Photo 3, 1:52.3 ($916,391)

2005 14 11-2-0

Trainer: Roger Hammer