The CKG Billings Harness Diving Series moved on to Tioga Downs for a trotting contest on Sunday afternoon (July 21).
When the judges hung the official sign, it was Dave Russo and longshot Osprey Vision who had recorded a 1:57.4 triumph over the even-money favourite, Starsaboveallerage, who was driven by Steve Oldford.
With the temperature hovering in the mid-90s, Russo sent his charge to the lead from the three-hole and played hardball with Cashaholic and Billings newcomer Florida Jeff Schaefer; parking them by the quarter in :28.1 and past the half in :57.2 with neither driver yielding.
Obviously feeling that Cashaholic would keep him locked in, Tony Verruso, who was third along the pylons, wheeled Glided In The Wind three-deep in hopes of circling the leaders. Although, as they trotted by the third stanza, there were three horses across the track, and it appeared at that point that Staraboveallerage, who was getting a two-hole journey, would be the strongest when the field headed for home.
In the deep stretch, Glide In The Wind faded as did Cashaholic, while Osprey Vision hung gamely to the lead. Although Starsaboveallerage was gaining, he ran out of racetrack, and it was Russo's trotter that hung on for the victory.
The victory was the fourth seasonal triumph for the 10-year-old altered son of Ken Warkentin. The victory raised his career earnings to over $235,000. Sent off at odds of over 23-1 Osprey Vision paid $48.40.
Although Russo is now primarily a trainer, the win was his 34th career driving victory.
(With files from the Billings Series)