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West Valley City • The best season of Caleb Bennett's professional rodeo career got even better Tuesday night at the Maverik Center.

Bennett, a 23-year-old bareback rider from Morgan, topped the final performance of the 2012 Days of '47 Rodeo with a score of 85.

Bennett's effort pushed him into a first-place tie in the overall Days of '47 standings and moved him a step closer to his first-ever berth in the National Finals Rodeo.

The top 15 money-winners in each event qualify for the NFR.

Bennett sits in eighth place in bareback with season earnings of $45,831, not counting what he pocketed after his outstanding ride aboard a horse named Lil' Brown Jug at the Days of '47.

"She's a good horse," Bennett said. "I've been on that horse, I can't even count, probably 10 times. I've been on her been a bunch, I know that, and every time it's been just like tonight — really good, really snappy."

Lil' Brown Jug was outstanding from the moment she left the chute.

Said Bennett: "She just turned out of there and started really good. Things got rolling right off the bat, and I was able to finish it off. ...

"I've just been really blessed this year, drawing good horses. Nothing could tickle me more than to come to Salt Lake and see I have Lil' Brown Jug next to my name."

In the bareback standings, Bennett tied Jessy Davis for first place. Davis, a former Utahn who now lives in Power, Mont., also posted an 85.

Heath Ford of Slocum, Texas, finished third with an 83, while J.R. Vezain of Cowley, Wyo., was fourth with an 82.

Along with veterans Brian Bain and Steven Peebles, Vezain is one of Bennett's regular traveling partners.

"Phenomenal guys," Bennett said. "They're always there for you — keeping you positive, keeping you uplifted, keeping you upbeat."