Two weeks ago, Bob “the Lumberman” Troyer and Heza Rube coupled-up to score a Billings victory at Miami Valley Raceway, and Saturday night (May 11), they returned to the winner's circle, this time at Northfield Park, with another victory under their belts.

But it took a gutsy trip by the six-year-old Master Lavec gelding to get the job done in the 1:59.3 trotted mile.

When the gate sprung, three trotters went for the lead, but Patient ID and “Lawbook Larry” Farley, starting from the pylon position, parked all comers. Unlimited Winner with “Northfield Nadine” Habke were three-deep on the first turn, but they gained command as the field passed the first stanza in :29.4. Troyer and Heza Rube were looking for a hole along the inside, but it didn’t materialize and they were stuck on the limb.

Still first-over as the field trotted by the half in :59.4, “the Lumberman” had little choice other than pursue the front and his charge responded as Heza Rube took command when the field neared the three-quarters. In the lane, Heza Rube was dead-game and still full of trot and went on to a length triumph over Patient ID, even though the latter had enjoyed a two-hole trip after relinquishing the lead early on. Third-place went to Fort Commander, who had the services of “Slick Rick” Braun.

Not particularly proud of their journey, still Bob Troyer was pleased with the results of the race.

“I certainly was in a position I didn’t want to be in after the start,” Troyer related. “He [Heza Rube] normally doesn’t leave well and I usually can find a hole and come late, but that didn’t work out.

“Now 'Rube' normally doesn’t handle a lot of airm but tonight he didn’t care and he just wanted to trot so I guess tonight was his night. It was ugly, but a win is a win, and I was proud of him.”

Owned by Deborah Kvernmo and trained by Marty Wollam, Heza Rube paid $3.20 for win.

Next Billings action will be in the east region on Friday night, May 13, at The Meadowlands.

(CKG Billings Series)