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

Racine Bell and Lanjo Lee battled all the way 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 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.  As they made the turn 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 came up to get third. 

Natameri is a five-year-old horse by American Ideal. He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko. He is two-for-two in 2023 and now has 16 victories in his career. John MacDonald drove the $4 winner.

Natameri was MacDonald's fifth winner on the card. The reinsman had two more wins with trainer Okusko with Sugaree Express ($2.70 to win) and Syracuse Express ($2.30). He also added wins with Quaker Hill ($3) for trainer Richard Papa and Discus Hanover ($6.80) for the David Dewhurst stable.

Dylan Huckabone-Miller had a driving triple and Barton Dalious added a driving double. Claude Huckabone III had a training double. 

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

(With files from Vernon Downs)