Elitlopp for Vivid Photo?

Vivid Photo’s schedule for 2007 is coming into sharper focus thanks to trainer-driver and co-owner Roger Hammer, with the horseman having big plans for the trotter’s 5-year-old season.

The Hambletonian winner, double-millionaire and co-fastest trotter of all time could have some European traveling on his dance card. He will also find his way back to the Meadowlands where he won the $1.5 million Hambletonian in 2005. In 2006, he competed in 11 races at the Meadowlands, posting three wins, two seconds and two thirds. He picked up a check in every visit for $358,300.

"He'll be better in 2007 as a 5 year old than he was this year,” Hammer said. “He muscled up some from this summer on. He'll get some time now until April 9. That'll be the first big race for him. I'd like to get one start for him before that. He's not entirely shut down now. He’s doing some jogging and light training. He was put away sound, and I'd hope he comes back the same way."

Vivid Photo won the $250,000 Classic Series final on Nov. 27 at Dover Downs to wrap up his campaign with seven wins, three seconds and two thirds from 21 starts and earnings of $607,100. Lifetime, he has banked $2,107,939 for Hammer, who is from Bedford, Pa., and his partner, Todd Schadel of Gratz, Pa. The son of SJs Photo has 27 wins, nine seconds and three thirds from 52 career outings.

"Vivid Photo is a strong horse who loves racing,” Hammer noted. “He doesn't care about time off. He's back and ready to race no matter what the next week. If the free for allers raced, say, 23 weeks in a row, he'd have a big advantage over them in the end. He'd be stronger at the end of 23 weeks while most of the others would need a week off here and there."

Given the hardiness of the gelding, Hammer is eyeing a trip to Scandinavia for Vivid Photo.

"I'm also thinking about the Elitlopp in 2007,” he said, referring to Sweden’s premier event. “He would probably go in a race in Norway at a mile and five sixteenths prior. His sire (SJs Photo) won that one (1995). The extra distance won't bother him--anywhere. He just keeps on trotting. It won't be a problem at all. With the Elitlopp, I figure I want to do it some time, so 2007 might be as good a time as any."

Vivid Photo has speed as well as stamina and could break the 1:50 plateau, according to Hammer.

"I think he might,” he said. “It would have to be the right day, and the circumstances would have to favor a fast mile. But sure, he's got the ability to do it. The day he won in 1:50.2 at Colonial (Downs in Virginia), I wasn't trying for the record. I was trying to beat Sand Vic. He was idling home. When he won the Classic (in 2:25 for a mile and a quarter), I shut him down the final eighth. I was up four or five lengths and still just missed the world record by two-fifths of a second.”

Vivid Photo is a finalist, along with arch-nemesis Sand Vic, for the Dan Patch Award as Older Trotter of the Year.

"He trains a lot at home on the half miler, but I've never raced him on one,” noted Hammer, who is 60. “But if Yonkers gets the International Trot back and puts up big money, I'll be there. The Maple Leaf Trot for 2006, we were sick and missed that one. We won’t be sick for the 2007 Maple Leaf Trot, I can tell you that."

Vivid Photo is capable of winning on the front end or wearing down the competition.

"He's an unusual horse because you can sit him outside and grind with him, or you can leave a lot and show big time speed,” Hammer added. “He also has a wicked brush when he needs it. It's rare you find a horse who combines all of these things." (Meadowlands)

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