J. Keeler Johnson

J. Keeler Johnson (also known as “Keelerman”) is a writer, blogger, videographer, handicapper, and all-around horse racing enthusiast who was drawn to the sport by Curlin's quest to become North America's richest racehorse.

Racing at Turf Paradise.

Racing at Turf Paradise. (Photo by Coady Photography/Turf Paradise)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Prince of Memphis at 8-1

Tue Mar 24 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, March 24 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including an 8-1 longshot.

Best Bets

Emerging Market wins the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds.

Emerging Market wins the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Emerging Market

Mon Mar 23 2026J. Keeler Johnson

It wasn’t surprising to see Emerging Market handle 1 3/16 miles with aplomb in the Louisiana Derby (G2), charging with determination to win the Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier by a head.

Triple Crown

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Four Triple Crown noms graduate

Mon Mar 23 2026J. Keeler Johnson

One of the flashiest three-year-olds to graduate last week was Make My Day, a second-time starter from the Hall of Fame barn of Todd Pletcher.

Triple Crown

Racing at Will Rogers Downs

Racing at Will Rogers Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Double at Will Rogers Downs

Mon Mar 23 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, March 23, at Will Rogers Downs and Sunland Park, including a cold daily double.

Best Bets

Margie's Intention wins at Pimlico.

Margie's Intention wins at Pimlico. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Picks and plays for Sunday tournaments at Fair Grounds

Sun Mar 22 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The stakes-packed Sunday card at Fair Grounds is the focus of two tournaments on TwinSpires.com.

Fair Grounds

Skippylongstocking wears down Midnight Mammoth in the Hollywood Gold Cup

Skippylongstocking wears down Midnight Mammoth in the Hollywood Gold Cup (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Picks for Oaklawn’s $10,727 Pick 6 and Turfway’s $7,318 Super High 5

Sat Mar 21 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to bet in a Pick 6 carryover at Oaklawn Park and a Super High 5 carryover at Turfway Park.

Oaklawn Park

Racing at Oaklawn Park.

Racing at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Photography)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct, Oaklawn Pick 6 carryovers

Fri Mar 20 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, March 20 at Fair Grounds, Santa Anita, and Turfway Park, along with horses to single in Pick 6 carryovers at Aqueduct and Oaklawn Park.

Oaklawn Park

Englishman winning his debut at Churchill Downs

Englishman winning his debut at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Englishman returns at Fair Grounds

Thu Mar 19 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, March 19, at Fair Grounds and Turfway Park, including a cold daily double.

Fair Grounds

Racing at Turf Paradise.

Racing at Turf Paradise. (Photo by Coady Photography/Turf Paradise)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Lucky Nea drops in class

Wed Mar 18 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, March 18 at Turf Paradise and Turfway Park, including a 5-2 shot dropping in class.

Turfway Park

Racing at Will Rogers Downs

Racing at Will Rogers Downs (Photo by Coady Photography/Will Rogers Downs)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Big Kitty can win big

Tue Mar 17 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, March 17, at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, along with a horse to single in Mahoning Valley’s $7,884 Pick 5 carryover.

Best Bets

Incredibolt wins the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs.

Incredibolt wins the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Incredibolt romps in Virginia Derby

Mon Mar 16 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 47 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Ezum breaking his maiden at Colonial Downs.

Ezum breaking his maiden at Colonial Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Ezum wins by 19 1/2 lengths

Mon Mar 16 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Ezum isn’t currently nominated to the Triple Crown, but that could change after the gray colt obliterated a one-mile maiden special weight on Saturday at Colonial Downs.

Triple Crown

Racing at Fair Grounds.

Racing at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography/Amanda Hodges Weir)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Price play at Fair Grounds

Mon Mar 16 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, March 16 at Will Rogers Downs, Sunland Park, and Fair Grounds, including an 8-1 shot dropping in class.

Fair Grounds