MacDonald guides Natameri to victory

Natameri (John MacDonald) captures the featured $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (June 5).

Merrow (Chris Long) went to the front and led to the quarter in :26.3.  He used a :30 second quarter and was first to the half in :56.3.  Natameri ($3.96) made his move heading down the backstretch and was the leader to three quarters in 1:23.2.

Natameri cruised home to win easily in 1:51.4.  Primo Uomo (Frank Affrunti) and Handlelikeaporshe (Jimmy Whittemore) finished in a dead heat for second.

NATAMERI REPLAY

Natameri is an 8-year-old horse by American Ideal.  He is owned by Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko.  It was his third win this season and his 34th career victory.

Jimmy Whittemore had a driving triple.  John MacDonald had a driving double.  Dale Lawton and Jessica Okusko had training doubles.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (June 6) with a post time of 5:05 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