Vernon, NY – Natameri, driven by John MacDonald, captured the featured $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (June 5).
Merrow (driver Chris Long) went to the front and led to the quarter in :26.3 and was first to the half in :56.3. Natameri made his move heading down the backstretch and was the leader to three-quarters in 1:23.2.
Natameri cruised home to win easily in 1:51.4. Primo Uomo (Frank Affrunti) and Handlelikeaporsche (Jimmy Whittemore) finished in a dead heat for second.
Natameri is an 8-year-old stallion by American Ideal. He is owned by Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko. It was his third win this season and his 34th career victory. He paid $3.96 to win.
Whittemore had a driving triple, and MacDonald had a driving double. Dale Lawton and Okusko had training doubles.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (June 6) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. (EDT).
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.