Louis Constan
Home: Glendale, Calif.
Age: 39
Occupation: H&R Block tax professional
Road to the Finals: Finished second in Fairplex's Road to the Handicapper of the Year qualifying tournament at Fairplex on Sept. 11-12.
Bio: Constan reaffirmed his unofficial title of "The Prince of Pomona" in 2004 after qualifying for the National Handicapping Championship at Fairplex for the fourth time, and becoming the only player ever to qualify for the NHC at the same venue four times. Got closer to the leaderboard of the national finals at NHC V with a 21st-place finish. Also recorded a 129th-place finish at NHC II, and a 161st-place finish at NHC IV. Was introduced to horse racing at the age of 10 when he father took him to Hollywood Park, and later developed more of an interest in racing when he became a regular at the Southern California tracks along with his roommates while attending college. Once hit a place pick all for $2,878, but also considers cashing a bet on Laffit Pincay's record-breaking winner, Irish Nip, as one of his most memorable horseplaying experiences. Also fondly remembers Feb. 26, 1986 at Santa Anita - the first day he ever bet on the horses. After losing his $40 bankroll on show bets in the first four races that day, he bet two dollars in change out of his pockets on the longest shot on the board and watched as the horse named Swallage won and paid $133.80. Besides horse racing, his other interests include golfing, attending film festivals, and playing fantasy baseball and football.
Photo: Harold Roth/Horsephotos