Vernon, NY – Natameri (John MacDonald) captured the $9,000 Open Handicap Pace on Saturday (Oct. 14) at Vernon Downs.

Natameri won the featured Open Handicap Pace on Saturday at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Natameri ($2.50) left from the eight hole and settled in to the pocket as Tomas (Artie Dick) raced to the first quarter first in :26. Tomas used a :28.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :54.2. Natameri made his move as he popped out of the pocket just before Tomas hit three-quarters first in 1:22.0.

As they made the turn for home Natameri took off like a rocket and made it a battle for second. He stopped the clock in 1:50. Greatest Ending (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) came up to get second. Bluesville (Frank Affrunti) finished third.

Natameri is a 5-year-old horse by American Ideal. He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko. It was his sixth win this season. He now has 20 career victories.

Frank Affrunti drove four winners on the card. He got his wins with Mr French, Jericho Willie, Buzzer, and Muscle Dan.

Live racing returns on Friday (Oct. 20) at 6:05 p.m.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.