EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Trainer Tom Fanning expects Artstanding to have a better chance to win the $500,000 Anthony Abbatiello-New Jersey Classic at the Meadowlands on Saturday night.

Artstanding got blocked in the prep race last week for the track's top event for 3-year-old New Jersey-sired pacers. After slow pace to start, the colt and driver Mike Lachance ran into interference halfway through the race and were unable to move into contention.

Artstanding drew the No. 1 post position for the big race and Fanning expects his driver to be more aggressive with the colt after protecting him a little last weekend.

"He has very good tactical speed," Fanning said. "He likes to be involved in the race early a little bit, but I'll leave it in Lachance's hands, whatever he feels is best."

Owned by Jim Switlyk and Bob Gorney, Artstanding is one of seven horses who will bid for the $250,000 winner's share.

Feelin Friskie is the 9-5 favorite followed by Western Ace at 5-2, Palone Ranger at 3-1 and Artstanding at 6-1.

Artstanding earned $383,967 last year, making him the fourth richest 2-year-old pacer of 2005 behind Jereme's Jet, Western Ace and Palone Ranger.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire