Vernon, NY — Natameri (John MacDonald) exploded late to win the featured $8,500 Open 1 Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 13). 

Natameri upended Racine Bell on Saturday night at Vernon Downs, winning the featured event. Fotowon Photo.

Racine Bell (Josh Kinney) and Lanjo Lee (Barton Dalious) battled to the first quarter as Racine Bell got to the marker first in :26.2. Lanjo Lee then took over and led to the half in :54.4.  

Natameri ($4.00) was last and six off the front at the halfway point. He then brushed from last to first in the blink of an eye and led to three-quarters in 1:23.0. 

As they turned for home, Racine Bell became the major danger as she came all out on the chase. Natameri had plenty left in the tank and won easily in 1:51.1. Racine Bell had to settle for second. Major Leaguer (Jimmy Whittemore) came up to get third. 

Natameri is a 5-year-old horse by American Ideal. He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Je

Jssica Okusko. He is two for two in 2023. He now has 16 career victories. 

John MacDonald drives five winners on the card. J-Mac got two more wins with trainer Jessica Okusko (three on the card) with Sugaree Express ($2.70), and Syracuse Express ($2.30). He also added wins with Quaker Hill ($3.00), and Discus Hanover ($6.80). Dylan Huckabone-Miller had a driving triple as Barton Dalious added a driving double. Claude Huckabone III had a training double. 

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (May 19), starting at 4:00 p.m. 

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