A few weeks ago, Fear The Dragon and Huntsville duelled for virtually the entire back half of the 2017 Delvin Miller Adios Pace, and it made for one of the most thrilling races in the 51 editions of the classic.

Now, the two stars will renew their rivalry in Friday’s (August 18) Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at the Meadows — and they’ve drawn into the same division, which has been carded as Race 4. David Miller will drive Fear The Dragon from Post 5, while Tim Tetrick will guide Huntsville from Post 6.

The card will have an Adios feel to it, as six other participants from this year’s Pace for the Orchids — Blood Line, Boogie Shuffle, Eddard Hanover, Filibuster Hanover, RJP, and Western Hill — will compete in the PASS. Adios alumni Highalator, Independent One, and Southwind Yukon have dropped into the PA Stallion Series stakes that will serve as Friday’s co-feature. Thus, of the 14 colts that started in the Adios, 11 will race Friday at the Meadows.

The program will get underway with a special post time of 5 p.m.

Race 4 will pit the top-rated Standardbred in North America (Fear The Dragon) and the third-ranked (Huntsville). Their bank accounts also have much in common, as Fear The Dragon now boasts lifetime earnings in excess of $1.22 million for trainer Brian Brown and owner Emerald Highlands Farm, while Huntsville has amassed a bankroll of more than $1.57 million for trainer Ray Schnittker and owners Ted Gewertz, Steven Arnold, Crawford Farms Racing and Schnittker.

Fear The Dragon retained his top ranking despite a tough loss in the Carl Milstein at Northfield Park when his stablemate, Downbytheseaside, rallied and got up late.

“I thought he was great in the Milstein; I didn't think ‘Seaside’ would beat him,” Brown said. “When you pace the back half in :53.3, you usually don't get beat. He’s training very lightly this week — one easy trip Tuesday, jogging every day.”

While Fear The Dragon drew inside Huntsville, Brown said he expects the son of Dragon Again - Armbro Cinnamon to be in pursuit mode again.

“I don't see us on the front, but I can’t say it won’t happen because determining that is David’s job,” Brown said.

Although Downbytheseaside is Pennsylvania-eligible, he’s competed in only one PASS leg and couldn’t earn enough points to reach the championship. Therefore, Brown said, he’s pointing ‘Seaside’ to the Messenger Stakes, the second leg of the Pacing Triple Crown, which has eliminations scheduled for August 26.

Huntsville has enjoyed a week off following his victory in the Cane Pace. Schnittker said he doesn’t expect any change in tactics for the son of Somebeachsomewhere - Wild West Show.

“I never discuss that with Tim,” Schnittker said, “but it sure would be nice to beat this guy sometime.”

(Meadows)