Nebraska man handicapping finalist again

The national handicapping champion of 2000, Steve Walker of Lincoln, Neb., won the qualifying tournament at Prairie Meadows this past Saturday for this year's National Handicapping Championship, sponsored by Daily Racing Form and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Each player paid a $200 entry fee and began with a $400 live bankroll for wagers on both live and simulcast Thoroughbred races from noon to 10:15 p.m.

Walker had a final balance of $1,769.60, and took home $9,600 in prize money. Craig Kaufman of Hacienda Heights, Calif., finished second at $1,676.30, and Charley Witt of Scottsdale, Ariz., was third with $1,487.60. All three will represent Prairie Meadows at the national finals in Las Vegas in January.