East Rutherford, NJ (Best E Casino) - Vivid Photo came from well off the pace to win Saturday's 80th running of the $1.5 million Hambletonian at the Meadowlands. The time for the one-mile trot was 1:52 3/5.

Vivid Photo, which was driven by co-owner and trainer Roger Hammer, defeated nine other trotters in the 25th Hambletonian that was held at the famed north Jersey racetrack.

The three-year-old gelding's win gave co-owners Hammer and Todd Schadel their first Hambletonian win with their first-ever starter in the race. The trotter has now won ten of 12 starts this year and adds $750,000 to his earnings.

The pace in harness racing's most prestigious event was set early by Muscle Memory. On the backstretch, though, Strong Yankee took over the lead and was followed closely by Muscle Memory and Self Professed.

Around the turn for home Strong Yankee still remained in front with John Campbell bringing Northern Ensign into contention. However, Strong Yankee and Northern Ensign began to fade down the stretch as the favorites Classic Photo and Vivid Photo battled to the wire.

Vivid Photo eventually pulled away late to post a 2 3/4 length victory over Classic Photo, while Muscle Memory held on for third.

Completing the order of finish was Strong Yankee, Self Professed, Mr Dream Om, Gettindownanddirty, Muscle Bound, Northern Ensign and Racino.

Vivid Photo returned $16.40, $4.00 and $3.40. Classic Photo returned $2.40 and $2.20 while Muscle Memory paid $4.60 for show.

In the companion race for three-year-old fillies, Jalopy caught Blur at the wire to win the $750,000 Hambletonian Oaks by a nose. Jalopy was driven to victory by Jeff Gregory and covered the one-mile in 1:53 4/5.