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.

Mob winning a Churchill Downs maiden special weight

Mob winning a Churchill Downs maiden special weight (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Chip Honcho, Mob impress

Mon Nov 24 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Nine days before the running of the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs, a one-mile maiden special weight over the same track produced an outcome that could influence how bettors handicap the Kentucky Jockey Club.

Triple Crown

Mahoning Valley Race Course (Photo courtesy of Mahoning Valley)

Mahoning Valley Race Course (Photo courtesy of Mahoning Valley)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mandatory-payout Pick 6 at Mahoning

Mon Nov 24 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Nov. 24 at Zia Park, along with longshots to use in Mahoning Valley’s mandatory-payout $5,120 Pick 6 carryover.

Best Bets

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Picks and bets for Sunday tournaments at Churchill Downs

Sun Nov 23 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Sunday’s 10-race card at Churchill Downs is the focus of two appealing tournaments on TwinSpires.com.

Tournaments

Racing at Del Mar

Racing at Del Mar (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Two singles for Del Mar’s $51,879 Pick 6 carryover

Sat Nov 22 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Bad weather has prompted the cancellation of two recent cards at Del Mar, but racing is slated to resume on Saturday with a $51,879 Pick 6 carryover up for grabs.

Wagering

Turf racing at Churchill Downs

Turf racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Churchill’s $5,771 Super High 5 carryover

Fri Nov 21 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Nov. 21, at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, including tickets for Churchill’s $5,771 Super High 5 carryover.

Best Bets

Fair Grounds racetrack grandstand racing scene.

Racing at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Longshots at Churchill, Fair Grounds

Thu Nov 20 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Nov. 20, at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, including tickets for Churchill’s $5,624 Super High 5 carryover.

Best Bets

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Cold Pick 3 at Churchill Downs

Wed Nov 19 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Churchill Downs, including a cold Pick 3 wager.

Best Bets

Further Ado broke his maiden by 20 lengths at Keeneland

Further Ado broke his maiden by 20 lengths at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Kentucky Jockey Club nominees revealed

Tue Nov 18 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 165 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Racing at Zia Park

Racing at Zia Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Zia Park’s $1,912 Pick 5 carryover

Tue Nov 18 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Finger Lakes, Zia Park, and Turf Paradise, including a ticket for Zia Park’s $1,912 Pick 5 carryover.

Best Bets

Smoovin Saturday winning his debut at Del Mar

Smoovin Saturday winning his debut at Del Mar (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Smoovin Saturday wins debut

Mon Nov 17 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Trainer Michael McCarthy nearly nabbed his first Kentucky Derby (G1) win in 2025, saddling Journalism to finish second as the favorite.

Triple Crown

Racing at Finger Lakes

Racing at Finger Lakes (Photo by SV Photography)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Finger Lakes $10,914 Pick 5 carryover

Mon Nov 17 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Nov. 17, at Zia Park and Turf Paradise, along with horses to play in the $10,914 Pick 5 carryover at Finger Lakes.

Best Bets

Bestfriend Rocket wins against First Division at Oaklawn Park.

Bestfriend Rocket wins against First Division at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Picks and plays for the $500 Churchill Downs KDBC Qualifier tournament

Sun Nov 16 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The Sunday card at Churchill Downs is the focus of a $500 Churchill Downs KDBC Qualifier tournament on TwinSpires.com.

Tournaments

Fionn wins the Belmont Oaks 2025 at Saratoga (Photo by Cogliaense Photos)

Fionn wins the Belmont Oaks 2025 at Saratoga (Photo by Cogliaense Photos)

Aqueduct: Horses to bet in the $16,285 Pick 6 carryover

Sat Nov 15 2025J. Keeler Johnson

There are two stakes on the Saturday card at Aqueduct, but the highlight of the betting action is a $16,285 carryover in the $1 Pick 6.

Wagering