OK, Ruby, it's time to talk turkey. The first leg of the Great Gobbler Gallop is Saturday in Worthington, Minn., and you have your work cut out for you.

To be honest, we've gotten tired of looking at the Circulating Consolation Cup of Consummate Commiseration. We've had it four out of the past five years. It's time for a change. An upgrade, if you will. We want the Traveling Trophy of Tumultuous Triumph back in Cuero, where it belongs.

But that decision is not ours to make, Ruby. It all hinges on you. You, your coach and the supporting trainers. Like any other sporting event, a good portion of the competition is mental. So get your head in the game, Ruby. We're waiting for you to step up.

Granted, last year's loss was due to a cheap shot from Paycheck and his team. And some distraction on your part. First, you ran for the crowd instead of the finish line in Minnesota. Then, at the first sign of distraction on your part, Team Paycheck picked up their bird and ran to the finish. That earned them a two-minute penalty, but it didn't matter. The damage was done, and Paycheck once again took the 3-foot turkey trophy.

But it does not do to dwell on past "fowl-ups." Now is the time to get a leg-up on the competition. On the Cuero Turkeyfest website, the tally stands at 19 wins for Paycheck and 16 for you. That means five years ago, you and Paycheck both had 15 wins. You had a chance to pull ahead and crush the competition, but instead you choked. But not this year. This year, you're three wins behind. Does this make you an underdog? Underturkey? Maybe. But the audience loves an overcomer, so this is your year, Ruby.

This is the year to regain some of the ground that has been lost. Sure, Paycheck may be ahead, but who's to say he won't be resting on his laurels this year? He should know he can't afford to slouch with Ruby on his tail. Sure, Minnesota's cold and the locals make some warm, yummy fries. But you are a Texas bird, hatched and bred in the Lone Star State! Minnesota fries shouldn't hold a candle to our Frito pie.

So now we approach the beginning of another race. Yes, Paycheck is fast, but he's overconfident. Take this chance, Ruby. We know you can do it. Don't leave us hanging again. You're our only hope.

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