Natameri charges home late to win

Natameri (American Ideal) (Frank Affrunti) captured the $8,800 harness racing Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 30).

Lyons Pegasus (Justin Huckabone) darted to the front and led to the first quarter in :25.4.

He used a :28.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :54.0.  Natameri ($5.00) was last at the half but made his move first-up going around the final turn.  Lyons Pegasus led to three-quarters in 1:22.2.

As they made the turn for home Natameri looked like he was shot out of a cannon.  He blew by second place finisher Lyons Pegasus to win in 1:51.1.  Rally Your Crew took home third money.

NATAMERI REPLAY

Natameri is a 4-year-old horse.  He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko.  It was his fourth win in five starts this season.  He now has 10 career victories.

Affrunti, Barton Dalious, Steeven Genois, and Justin Hucckabone all had driving doubles.  Chip Zombick and Bruce Lauer each had training doubles.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (August 5) with a post time of 6:05 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs