Robert Bertolucci
Home: San Mateo, Calif.
Age: 40
Occupation: Self-employed
Road to the Finals: Finished third in the Bally's Summer Stakes tournament on Aug. 6-7.
Bio: Qualified for the National Handicapping Championship for the third time with his third-place finish in the Bally's Summer Stakes tournament on Aug. 6-7. Finished 97th in NHC V as a member of the team from Cal Expo, and also played in the finals of NHC II representing MGM Grand. Bertolucci is a longtime tournament veteran who was introduced to handicapping contests by his good friend and fellow tournament enthusiast Mike Labriola. In partnership with his brother Mark, the Bertoluccis estimate their career tournament earnings to be in excess of $300,000 counting wins in such contests as the 2000 MGM Grand Tour (earned $108,000), and the 1998 and 2000 Flamingo Reno Summer Challenges. Also finished second in the Championship at the Orleans. The Bertoluccis also play the pick 6, which they once hit for a personal all-time high payoff of $104,000. Robert made his first bet when his father took him to Bay Meadows at the age of 7, and he hasn't taken a breather even since. He now enjoys going to the races with his son Chris, 15, and his brother Mark. Currently resides in San Mateo, Calif. with his wife Argie, his son Chris, and his daughter Jenny, who is 14.
Photo: Harold Roth/Horsephotos