Vernon, NY – Trainer Jessica Okusko won four races, which put her over $10,000,000 in career earnings including a win with Natameri (John MacDonald) in the featured $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Nov. 2).
FotowNatameri ($2.30) went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :26.1. Primo Uomo (Tom Merton) came first-up to challenge heading down the backstretch and battled for the lead as Natameri reached the half first in :54.2. Natameri shook off Primo Uomo and led to three-quarters in 1:22.1.
As they made the turn for home, second-place finisher Lanjo Lee (Leon Bailey) went all out after the lead but Natameri was too strong and won in 1:51.0. Primo Uomo finished third.
Natameri is a 6-year-old horse by American Ideal. He is owned by Purple Haze Stable and trained by Jessica Okusko. It was his sixth win this season. He now has 26 career victories.
Okusko got her other wins with Bold Express, Rock Solid Express, and Syracuse Express.
Driver Leon Bailey had a grand slam. He got his wins with Over Manned, Lepanto, and Pink Crush Laura.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (November 8) starting at 3:05 p.m.
Vernon Downs post time will be 3:05 p.m. the rest of the 2024 season.
For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.