Natameri held on for another Vernon Downs victory in the $11,806 Open Pace on Friday, Sept. 12, keeping his perfect record at the seven-eighths-mile New York racetrack intact.
Driven by Jeff Gregory, Natameri went to the front and held an uncontested lead through fractions of :27.1, :55 and 1:23.2. Late challenges came from Twin B Kingston (Leon Bailey), who popped out of the pocket as they entered the stretch, and Bluesville (Ron Harp), who was flying late, but neither could catch Natameri as he dug in to win in 1:51.1 by a neck. Bluesville edged out Twin B Kingston for the runner-up role.
A 30-time winner in his career, Natameri has never lost a race at Vernon Downs. The horse for the course now has 14 local victories.
Natameri was the overwhelming 1-9 favourite with his five foes at odds ranging from 13-1 to 57-1. He paid $2.10 to win.
The seven-year-old son of American Ideal out of Native Daughter earned his fourth Open victory at New York racetracks this year, lifting his seasonal bankroll to $62,279 through eight starts.
He is trained by Jessica Okusko and owned by Purple Haze Stables of Fairport, New York.
Vernon Downs leading driver Chris Long guided five winners on the 12-race card. He won with Sakebomb Blue Chip ($14.52) for trainer Darren Rybka Jr., CC Bank ($16.86) for conditioner Frank Multari and Valor ($6.08) for the Michelle Warner stable before sweeping the late Daily Double with Leopold Sawyers trainees Girlonthebillboard ($3.92) and Mississippi Rabbit ($3.80).
Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, Sept. 13 with a post time of 3 p.m.
(Standardbred Canada with files from Vernon Downs)