Classic Photo is clearly the more versatile animal. He recently came from sixth, parked the mile, to win the Dancer final; he then showed excellent early speed to secure a tuck fourth from the 9 hole in a 27.1 first quarter before riding an outside trip to an effortless win in his Hambletonian elimination. The Ervin Miller trainee never makes a break, and his speed seems available to driver Ron Pierce at whatever point it is needed. Usually, such versatility is a huge advantage- but there are exceptions, and this race may be one of them.

Vivid Photo, on the other hand, has created a reputation recently as a speedball type. This reputation may reflect more on the co-owner, trainer, and driver, Roger Hammer, than on the horse, but as a team the two seem destined to be going as far and as fast as possible on the lead Saturday. For years, Hammer dominated Pennsylvania Sires Stakes and Pennsylvania fair racing with a barrage of front-end horses who always seemed to be ready about two months before the competition. Hammer has never been known as one to back down from a speed duel, and anyone taking a serious shot at Vivid Photo early will most likely see plenty of air and some wicked fractions on the teletimer. The other drivers in the race know this, of course, and so it is unlikely that anyone will attempt such a kamikaze maneuver. As a result, Vivid Photo may find himself unchallenged on the front end until past the half- and if so, watch out. In his elimination, Vivid Photo relaxed early before moving to the lead in earnest after a relatively slow 28 seconds to the quarter. But once he put the “hammer” down, he kept it down, clicking off a half in :55.2 and three quarters in 1:23.3. Even with these testing numbers, the gutsy sophomore held on for the win. If he can use his intimidating speed to steal a slower first half in the final, he just may do it again- especially if Classic Photo is biding his time in fifth or sixth. One thing is for sure, his odds will be a lot higher than Classic Photo’s. Let’s make him the pick.

Classic Photo can neutralize his opponent’s early-speed advantage if he can find a way into the two-hole behind Vivid Photo. If Pierce sends him full-tilt for the top, and then steps on the brakes awaiting Hammer’s move, this may just happen. If Classic Photo sits right on Vivid Photo’s back the entire mile, we could have a thrilling stretch duel on our hands, and Classic Photo would probably have the advantage.

And of course, there are eight other talented horses waiting for the slightest mistakes from the favorites. It wouldn’t take much – this isn’t a two-horse race by any stretch of the imagination. Muscle Memory was used very hard into the quick :27.1 first quarter of Classic Photo’s elimination division, and he lived to tell about it, finishing a very respectable fourth. His previous start was a strong effort from an impossible spot at the back of the pack. He gets the inside today, and Cat Manzi may use that spot to attempt to secure that coveted two-hole spot as well.

Trond Smedshammer, who trained last year’s winner, Windsong’s Legacy, sends out Strong Yankee this year. His recent addition of Salix indicates that he has bleeding issues, and with Salix not allowed in the Hambletonian, he may be at a disadvantage. His solid performance in the Elimination, however, which was also Salix-free, shows that he is still competitive even minus the medication.

Add to these four an entry from Mark Harder’s barn and one from the “Trotting Guru,” Ron Gurfein, and you’ve got a race to remember. Enjoy!