Hennessey’s choice wins Saratoga feature

Natameri (American Ideal) was harness racing driver Wally Hennessey’s choice in Saturday night’s feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

The veteran reinsman is having a sensational season at the Spa and chose the Jessica Okusko-trained pacer to sit behind in the $15,000 Open Pace. Hennessey wasted little time motivating Natameri in the early going and the six year old got to the top in a 27.1 first quarter.

One of the co-favorites at odds of 2-1, Natameri got a half in 56.3 before feeling just mild pressure checking in at three quarters in 1:24.3. Co-favored Im Sir Blake A (Shawn Gray) came from well off the pace and attempted to reel in Natameri in the stretch but the chase proved to be futile as Natameri held firm to win by three-quarters of a length in a mile paced in 1:53.

Pickup Man Hanover (Jimmy Devaux), who has been a fixture in the Open Pace this season, closed to finish third. Natameri’s Open win was his second locally this season for owners Purple Haze Stables LLC.

The exacta comprised of the two co-favorites in the race paid $32.80 while the triple returned $121, for $2 wagers. Barring something unforeseen, Hennessey will finish second in the driver standings at Saratoga this season as he has enjoyed a fantastic ’24 campaign but is well behind Brett Beckwith among local reinsmen. Wally piloted three winners on Saturday’s program.

NATAMERI REPLAY

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at the Spa with a matinee that begins at 12pm. 

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway