LAS VEGAS — Sam Petersen of Helena is riding like a seasoned veteran in his first appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Barrel racer Lisa Lockhart, meanwhile, showed her expert chops Monday night in her 18th NFR.

Petersen, the No. 2-ranked bareback rider in the world, placed second during Round 5 to cash a check of $28,980 with a score of 88.75 on Resistol's Secrets Out.

It was the fourth consecutive night in which Petersen finished in the money. The 22-year-old is No. 3 in the average after five nights at the Thomas & Mack Center.

As the second-to-last rider in the round, Petersen was on the verge of claiming his first career NFR buckle. But world No. 1 Rocker Steiner of Weatherford, Texas, stole it away as the final performer with an 89-point ride.

In barrel racing, Lock

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