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 Aqueduct

Racing at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Aqueduct: Analyzing Sunday’s $33,406 Pick 6 carryover

Sun May 24 2026J. Keeler Johnson

A three-day weekend of racing at Aqueduct continues on Sunday with a $33,406 carryover up for grabs in the $1 Pick 6.

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)

Saturday picks for NHC Qualifier, $35,779 Pick 6 carryover

Sat May 23 2026J. Keeler Johnson

An NHC qualifier tournament and a $35,779 Pick 6 carryover are among the betting highlights TwinSpires players can pursue on the fourth Saturday in May.

Tournaments

Racing at Santa Anita

Racing at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Santa Anita’s $60,494 Pick 6 carryover

Fri May 22 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, May 15 at Gulfstream Park, Churchill Downs, and Santa Anita, including horses to play in Pick 6 and Super High 5 carryovers at Churchill and Santa Anita.

Gulfstream Park

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Juveniles at Churchill and Indianapolis

Thu May 21 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, May 21, at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, along with a horse to single in Hawthorne’s $255 Pick 6 carryover.

Best Bets

Racing at Presque Isle Downs

Racing at Presque Isle Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mott trainee at Presque Isle Downs

Wed May 20 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, May 20, at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Presque Isle Downs, including a Riley Mott trainee who has been facing tough competition.

Best Bets

Charlene's Dream wins at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Horseshoe Indianapolis racing (Photo by Coady Media)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Hyperlink tries Horseshoe Indianapolis

Tue May 19 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, May 19, at Presque Isle Downs, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Assiniboia Downs, including a 7-2 shot shipping from Kentucky to Indiana.

Best Bets

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis

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

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Florida to Indiana shipper

Mon May 18 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, May 18 at Finger Lakes and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a 4-1 shot shipping from Florida to Indiana.

Best Bets

Turf racing at Churchill Downs

Turf racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Two plays for five Sunday tournaments at Churchill Downs

Sun May 17 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The Sunday card at Churchill Downs is the focus of five TwinSpires tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $40 to $600.

Tournaments

Churchill Downs (Photo by TwinSpires / Jessica Piatt)

Churchill Downs (Photo by TwinSpires / Jessica Piatt)

Picks and plays for Saturday tournaments at Churchill Downs

Sat May 16 2026J. Keeler Johnson

If you’re on a roll betting Preakness Day and want to keep the action going in the evening, be sure to check out the Saturday evening card at Churchill Downs.

Tournaments

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

Sat May 16 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?

Sat May 16 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

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $22,400 Super High 5 at Churchill Downs

Fri May 15 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, May 15 at Gulfstream Park, Churchill Downs, and Laurel Park, including a ticket for Churchill’s $22,400 Super High 5 carryover.

Gulfstream Park

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

Fri May 15 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