Natameri was driver Wally Hennessey’s choice in Saturday night’s $20,548 Open Handicap at Saratoga Casino Hotel and the pacer lived up to expectations.

The veteran reinsman is having a sensational season at the Spa and chose to sit behind the Jessica Okusko-trained pacer, who was back in action for the first time since winning a mid-September Open at Vernon Downs.

Hennessey wasted little time motivating Natameri in the early going and the six-year-old son of American Ideal got to the top in a :27.1 first quarter. One of the favourites 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. Favoured 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. He's won five of his 11 races this year, including Opens at Plainridge Park and Tioga Downs, and boasts 25 victories lifetime while earning more than $350,000 from 54 starts.

The exacta, comprised of the two favourites 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. Hennessey piloted three winners on Saturday’s program.

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

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)