Natameri earned his second Open win at Vernon Downs this month, taking the Friday, May 29 edition in a season's best 1:51.3 mile.

Leaving outside four foes in the $11,806 Open Handicap, heavy 1-5 favourite Natameri ($2.70) went to the front for driver Jeff Gregory and held a short lead passing the quarter pole in :26.2 as Triple Sevens (Leon Bailey) raced to his outside and took over heading down the backstretch. 

The new leader reached the half in :55.4 then Merrow (Chris Long) came first-up from the back heading to the final turn. Those two battled all the way around the bend with Triple Sevens clinging to the lead by a nose at three-quarters in 1:24. 

As they raced down stretch, Natameri made his move slipping in between rivals and prevailed by three-quarters of a length. Triple Sevens held on for second while Merrow had to settle for third money.

Natameri, an eight-year-old stallion by American Ideal out of Native Daughter, is trained by Jessica Okusko and owned by Purple Haze Stables of Fairport, New York. The 33-time career winner has finished no worse than fourth in his first five starts of the season in the Open at Vernon, including a victory on May 2, lifting his lifetime earnings to $455,241.

Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, May 30 with post time at 5:05 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs)