by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

Monticello, NY — Bob “the Lumberman” Troyer came from far back with Heza Rube to win the Billings Trot at Northfield Park in a time of 1:57 on Thursday (July 2).

Nine horses were drawn in the contest but when the field went behind the starting gate two late scratches whittled it to seven.

Heza Rube started from the five hole and got away in the back of the pack after “Marvelous Marvin” Raber set sail with Washingtonian and they led the field by the quarter in a stiff :27.3. At that point Huza Rube was some 13 lengths behind the leader.

“They left hard so I took a seat,” Troyer explained.

Raber and Washingtonian zipped by the half in :56.3 with the eventual winner 15 lengths behind. Four lengths in front of Hometowne Jeff and “Michelle the Belle” Ruvola as they passed the three-quarters in 1:25.4, Washingtonian still had a huge lead on Heza Rube but on the final turn Troyer was coming and coming hard.

He made up five quick lengths on the turn and when the field straightened for home Troyer had Heza Rube wide open and they rallied to a neck victory over Washingtonian. Third place went to Hometown Jeff and Michelle Ruvola.

“I had owned him (Heza Rube) and sold him to Marty Wollam a few years ago so when he entered him in the Billings Trot he asked me if I would like to drive him,” Troyer explained. “Of course I said ‘sure’ and I am glad I did. He’s always been a nice horse but he really surprised me when we won tonight because we were so far back most of the mile.”

Now owned and trained by Marty Wollam, Heza Rube, a 5-year-old altered son of Master Lavec, paid $4.80 for win. It was the trotter’s second seasonal victory. For Troyer, who has been a longtime participant in Billings races, it was his first drive of the year. The victory was Troyer’s 73rd of his amateur driving career.