“The Lumberman” and his trusty steed are at it again. After a slow start this season, Bob “Lumberman” Troyer and Heza Rube were once again in the winner’s circle after they scored a 1:57.3 victory in the $5,000 midwest region Billings Trot on Friday night (June 2) at Scioto Downs.

It was both the horse’s and driver’s first win this year and despite being one of the toughest horses in their division last season, Heza Rube was dismissed by the betting public and sent off at odds of over 9-1.

After staring cautiously from the two-hole, Troyer eased his trotter away from the gate and allowed Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg and TKs Jelly Belly to take command and lead the field by a :28.3 first quarter.

No sooner had the field settled than Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford moved favoured Pondas Lexus to the front and they were in command before the :57 half.

Meanwhile, Troyer sat chilly and watched the race developing in front of him and, when the field headed for the third stanza, Troyer had Heza Rube out and going and they circled the leaders as the three-quarter timer flashed 1:27.4.

Once on top, Troyer and Heza Rube opened up a three-length lead as they rounded the final turn and they were well in command as the field headed for paydirt. Pondas Lexus was still in second-place at that point but he was overtaken for the place money by Catch Jessie (Gregg “Fast Greggy” Keidel). But nobody was catching Heza Rube as the Master Lavec gelding trotted on to a five length victory, the veteran seven-year-old’s 25th of his stellar career.

Owned by Troyer and trained by Marty Wollam, Heza Rube paid $21 to win and upped his lifetime earnings to nearly $224,000. And for Troyer, it was his 83rd winning drive of his amateur career.

Next Billings action will be on Friday, June 9 at The Meadowlands.

(Billings Series)