Vernon, NY – Merrow (Chris Long) charged late to take the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 2).
Primo Uomo (Leon Bailey) fired out of the gate and led to the quarter in :27.3. He reached the half first in :56.2. Natameri (Jeff Gregory) came first-up to challenge as they headed around the final turn. Primo Uomo was first to three quarters in 1:24.1.
Second-place finisher Natameri claimed the lead as they reached the stretch. Merrow ($7.20) came flying late to steal the feature in 1:52.2. Bluesville (Ron Harp) finished third.
Merrow is a 4-year-old horse by Stag Party. He is owned by Suheil Ashkar and trained by Joe Sansone. He is two-for-two in 2026. He now has 13 career wins.
Jeff Gregory had a driving hat trick. Jessica Okusko had a training triple. Jack Mcneil had a driving-training double. Joe Nassimos had a driving double. Kayla Lum had a training double.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (May 8) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.