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 Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Churchill’s $10,040 Super High 5 carryover

Thu May 14 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, May 14 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, including a ticket for Churchill’s $10,040 Super High 5 carryover.

Best Bets

Gosger about to be collared by Journalism in the Preakness

Gosger (right) about to be collared by Journalism in the Preakness (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Everything to know about the 2026 Preakness post positions

Thu May 14 2026J. Keeler Johnson

How relevant are historical post position statistics for determining which horses drew favorable post positions in Saturday’s $2 million Preakness (G1) at Laurel Park?

Triple Crown

Journalism wins Preakness Stakes 150 at Pimlico (Horsephotos.com)

Journalism wins Preakness Stakes 150 at Pimlico (Horsephotos.com)

2026 Preakness Stakes purse: How much prize money the winning owner and trainer will earn

Thu May 14 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The purse of the Preakness (G1) has come a long way since its inaugural running in 1873, when the winning horse earned $1,850 and the runner-up $200.

Triple Crown

Dornoch wins the Belmont S. (G1) during Belmont at Saratoga.

Dornoch wins the 2024 Belmont S. (G1) during Belmont at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Credit to Jetta Vaughns)

STUDY: Is skipping the Preakness beneficial for Belmont horses?

Thu May 14 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Does skipping the Preakness give Kentucky Derby starters an advantage in the Belmont? Or has this prep approach become so widespread that wins are inevitable?

Triple Crown

Charlene's Dream wins at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Horseshoe Indianapolis racing (Photo by Coady Media)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Ekati Flatter in the Corningstone

Wed May 13 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, May 13 at Delaware Park and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a 6-1 shot in the Corningstone H.

Best Bets

Golden Tempo win the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Golden Tempo win the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Deicke wins Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge, Petrunyak takes TwinSpires Tour

Tue May 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

High-profile tournament action made headlines during Kentucky Derby (G1) week when Ed Deicke nabbed first prize in the Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge (KDBC) and Ryan Petrunyak emerged victorious in the TwinSpires Tour.

Tournaments

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis (Photo by Coady Photography)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Sprint to route at 10-1

Tue May 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, May 5 at Finger Lakes and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a 10-1 shot stretching out in distance.

Best Bets

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis (Photo by Coady Photography/Horseshoe Indianapolis)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Horseshoe Indianapolis longshots

Mon May 11 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, May 11, at Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a pair of double-digit longshots.

Best Bets

Racing at Santa Anita

Racing at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Analyzing Sunday carryovers at Churchill Downs, Santa Anita

Sun May 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Sunday is Mother’s Day, and it’s also a great day for horse racing at Churchill Downs and Santa Anita. Each track has a non-jackpot carryover up for grabs.

Wagering

Del Mar Scenic

Del Mar Scenic (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

The Smartest Bet in Horse Racing: 4 Strategies for Success

Sun May 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

What is the smartest bet in horse racing? The answer is both incredibly complex and surprisingly simple.

Education

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Churchill Downs: How to bet the $14,604 Super High 5 carryover

Sat May 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

No one solved the $1 Super High 5 in the final race at Churchill Downs on Friday, triggering a $14,604 carryover into Saturday’s card.

Wagering

Start the Ride wins the California Chrome Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita.

Start the Ride wins the California Chrome Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $42,057 Pick 6 carryover at Santa Anita

Fri May 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, May 8 at Gulfstream Park, Churchill Downs, and Santa Anita, including horses to single in Santa Anita’s $42,057 Pick 6 carryover.

Gulfstream Park

Turf racing at Churchill Downs

Turf racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 8-1 shot at Churchill Downs

Thu May 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, May 7, at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, along with horses to play in the $850 Pick 6 carryover at Hawthorne.

Best Bets