Natameri holds off late challengers for Open score

Natameri (Jeff Gregory) captures the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (September 12).

Natameri ($2.10) went to the front and led to the quarter in :27.1.  He used a :27.4 second quarter as he cruised to the half in :55.0.  He continued to control things, hitting three quarters first in 1:23.2.

As they entered the stretch third place finisher Twin B Kingston (Leon Bailey) popped out of the pocket and came all out after Natameri.  Second place finisher Bluesville (Ron Harp came flying late but Natameri dug in and won in 1:51.1.

Natameri is a 7-year-old horse by American Ideal.  He is owned by Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko.  It was his fourth win this season and his 30th career victory.  He has never lost at Vernon Downs.

NATAMERI REPLAY

Leading driving Chris Long drove five winners on the card.  He was first with Sakebomb Blue Chip, CC Bank, Valor, Girlonthebillboard, and Mississippi Rabbit.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (September 13) with a post time of 3:00 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

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

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs