When Theodora Babe and jockey Anne Sanguinetti edged Kendall Christine to win the final race of the Emerald Downs’ live racing season, the big whoop emanating from the fifth floor came from the toe-headed regular who prevailed in the Closing Day Handicapping Contest.

John Johnson of Lake Forest made two $100 win bets on the 17-to-10 betting favorite – a return of $540 – to push his final total to $764 and capture the contest and an all expenses paid trip with entry to the 2013 National Handicapping Championship at Treasure Island Las Vegas. The trip includes airfare and hotel room.

Renowned handicapper Eric Schweiger finished second with $448, earning a $500 prize for his efforts. A Kent resident, Schweiger has had great success as a handicapper and owner – he co-owned 2009 Washington Horse of the Year Reba Is Tops.

Seattle’s Brian Eng finished third with $313.70 and Port Orchard’s Jeremy Eklund ($194) and Auburn’s Max Hanna ($125.90) rounded out the top five.