Batavia, NY — Harness racing’s greatest traveling roadshow, the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series, kicked off a three-day weekend with a pacing event Saturday (Sept. 28) at Batavia Downs in New York State.

This race will be followed by competitions across the border in Canada, first at Flamboro Downs on Sunday and then at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday.

At his hometown track in western New York, “Easy Dave” Russo made a laugher out of the contest when he hustled Reiki to the lead from the seven-hole and they rolled on to an easy 9-1/2 length triumph in 1:59.4 over a sloppy racetrack.

When the wings of the mobile gate folded Russo found himself in the fresh air on the limb and he had no choice but to have Reiki take command which he did after a :28.4 first quarter. Once on top the field settled in behind Russo and his pacer had no challenges until Tony “Shifty” Ciuffetelli moved Bazillion off the pylons as the field headed for the third stanza.

Still with a 1-1/4 length lead when the field paced by the three-quarters it was plain to see that Reiki was determined and the 7-year-old Cheyenne Rei gelding hit another gear as he rounded the final turn and then drew off to an easy triumph. Bazillion hung on for second money while Ideal Longshot garnered the show dough for Billings president Tony “the Capo” Verruso.

Reiko won for the third time this season and paid $4.20. He is owned by Russo’s wife Marissa.

Russo, who devotes most of his time training, has already harnessed 42 winners this season and is just one victory short of 500 career wins. This triumph was Russo’s third driving victory in just seven starts this year and the 35th of his career.