OK, Ruby, this is it. This is your chance to shine.

You came back from Worthington, Minn., victorious (even if it was a win based on technicalities) and now you've got a two-minute buffer ahead of Paycheck.

This is a promising start, and we hope you'll keep up the pace on Saturday. You ran a clean race, earning only one penalty, while Paycheck racked up more penalties than a late credit card payment. Your pace might have been slower, but you kept your eyes on the prize, just like the tortoise racing the hare.

But now we're approaching the final stretch, and the stakes are high. We saw Paycheck's lack of focus, but don't forget he's backed by a shrewd, tactics-minded team. We saw that last year. At the least sign of distraction on your part, they picked Paycheck up, even though it cost a two-minute penalty, and sprinted for the finish. They can't afford to take that approach this year, but never forget how far they were willing to go to win. We remember.

In Worthington, Paycheck was on his home turf. And that proved to be a weakness. He was more focused on catching up with his friends than winning the race, but we can't count on that when he comes to Cuero. And you shouldn't make the same mistake. Just run the race, Ruby, and bring the Traveling Trophy of Tumultuous Triumph home to Cuero. Your friends will understand if you don't stop to chat. You've got important work to do.

Paycheck has ruled this race four out of the past five years, but this year it's your turn. He can go home with the Circulating Consolation Cup of Consummate Commiseration this year. We want that giant golden turkey in downtown Cuero, because we know the truth. Cuero is the turkey capital of the world.

So go out there and make us proud, Ruby. Use those turkey legs and show Paycheck how fast a real turkey can run. After all this time of waiting, it's time to step up and take the lead.

It's time to live up to your namesake, Ruby. You are Ruby Begonia, and Ruby Begonia knows how to handle a Paycheck.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.