John Ray
Home: Honey Brook, Pa.
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired investment manager
Road to the Finals: Finished first and won $7,500 in the NHC Qualifying Tournament at the Fair Grounds on Dec. 4-5.
Bio: Officially has "the hot hand" at the Fair Grounds where he has qualified two years in a row including a third-place finish for $1,250 in 2003 and a victory for $7,500 in 2004. Went on to finish 159th at NHC V in Jan. 2004. Became a racing fan by watching the Triple Crown races on television as a child. Has now been handicapping for nearly 40 years since friends took him to Rockingham Park in 1966. Hit a Breeders' Cup pick 6 along with 5 consolation tickets returning $40,000 for what he considers his biggest payoff to date. Besides racing Ray's other interests include coin collecting, model building, antiques, travel, and his six cats.
Photo: Fair Grounds