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.

Turfway Park starting gate scenic

Racing at Turfway Park (Photo by Coady Photography/Turfway Park)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway’s $9,786 Super High 5 carryover

Fri Mar 13 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, March 13 at Colonial Downs, Fair Grounds, and Turfway Park, including horses to play in Turfway’s $9,786 Super High 5 carryover.

Fair Grounds

Racing at Colonial Downs.

Racing at Colonial Downs. (Photo by Coady Photography)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Colonial Downs kicks off

Thu Mar 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, March 12 at Colonial Downs and Turfway Park, emphasizing the opening-day action of Colonial’s three-day Virginia Derby meet.

Turfway Park

Baby Max wins the Leonatus Stakes at Turfway Park.

Baby Max wins the Leonatus Stakes at Turfway Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Baby Max drops in class

Wed Mar 11 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, March 11, at Turf Paradise and Turfway Park, including a cold daily double.

Turfway Park

Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita.

Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Potente, The Puma gain momentum

Tue Mar 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 53 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Racing at Will Rogers Downs

Racing at Will Rogers Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Welder Stakes exacta

Tue Mar 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, March 10 at Turf Paradise and Will Rogers Downs, including an exacta in the Welder S.

Best Bets

The Puma wins the Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs.

The Puma wins the Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs. (Photo by SV Photography)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: The Puma

Mon Mar 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

A relentless outside rally from last place carried The Puma to a determined victory in the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Triple Crown

Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita.

Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Potente

Mon Mar 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

It’s safe to say Into Mischief is the dominant Kentucky Derby (G1) sire of the 2020s. His influence extends not only to Kentucky Derby Day but throughout the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Triple Crown

Taptastic winning his debut at Oaklawn Park

Taptastic winning his debut at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Taptastic overcomes tough trip

Mon Mar 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Two months out from the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1), promising three-year-olds are still posting eye-catching maiden wins around the country.

Triple Crown

Fair Grounds racetrack grandstand racing scene.

Racing at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 8-1 shot at Fair Grounds

Mon Mar 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, March 9 at Fair Grounds, Will Rogers Downs, and Turf Paradise, along with analysis of Pick 5 and Super High 5 carryovers at Sunland Park.

Fair Grounds

Racing at Santa Anita

Racing at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Santa Anita: Analyzing Sunday’s $67,799 Pick 6 carryover

Sun Mar 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

An action-packed weekend of racing at Santa Anita continues on Sunday with a $67,799 carryover in the traditional $2 Pick 6.

Wagering

Fair Grounds racetrack grandstand racing scene sunset

Racing at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Fair Grounds: Single for Saturday’s $24,712 Pick 5 carryover

Sat Mar 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The betting highlight of Saturday’s card at Fair Grounds is a $24,712 carryover in the 50-cent Late Pick 5.

Fair Grounds

Racing at Gulfstream Park

Racing at Gulfstream Park (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Carryovers around the country

Fri Mar 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, March 6, at Tampa Bay Downs and Turfway Park, along with horses to bet in a trio of enticing carryovers at Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita, and Turfway Park.

Gulfstream Park

Racing at Oaklawn Park.

Racing at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Photography)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Oaklawn’s $53,697 Pick 6 carryover

Thu Mar 05 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, March 5 at Fair Grounds and Turfway Park, along with horses to single in Oaklawn’s $53,697 Pick 6 carryover.

Oaklawn Park