The Dead Heat — Frank Roderus

Heller's friend is looking forward to a million dollars, his prize quarter horse is the overwhelming favorite to win the Liquid Gold Futurity. But someone has other ideas, sinister ideas, and that's where Heller comes in. He agrees to protect the horse, for a fat fee and any willing women along the way. Heller is a novice at the track, but the mountain boy learns fast. And when the "accident" happens, he's ready to spring into action. If it involves taking on organized crime in the state of New Mexico, well, no one has ever accused Heller if taking the easy way out.