With four horses converging in deep-stretch, Humble A put his nose in front at the right time to get the benefit of the photo and capture the $11,971 Open Handicap Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Aug. 1.

There was little action up front in the early stages, with Primo Uomo (Jeff Gregory) taking control with little fuss and leading without contest through :26.2, :56 and 1:24.1 fractions. Pocket-sitter Natameri (Jacquavyian Carter) took his shot on the final turn, while Humble A waited for the stretch to take the outside lane. Natameri wore down Primo Uomo while Humble A reeled him in, and Bluesville (Ron Harp) arrived late on the outside. Humble A passed the previous top two in the final strides, and Bluesville was a fraction too late, missing by a nose as Humble A prevailed in the 1:51.4 mile. Natameri took third over Primo Uomo.

Humble A, a six-year-old gelding by American Ideal-Perfect Penny, migrated from Saratoga Raceway to Vernon for Saturday's win, his seventh this year in 25 outings. The Melissa Beckwith trainee, owned by William Hartt, is 24-for-71 lifetime. He paid $11.10 to win.

Chris Long and Dylan Huckabone-Miller shared the driving honours with three wins apiece on the nine-race card.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Thursday with a post time of 5:05 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs)