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.

Randwick Racecourse in Australia (Courtesy of Sky Racing World)

Randwick Racecourse in Australia (Courtesy of Sky Racing World)

Best international racetracks to play on Christmas Day

Tue Dec 23 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Christmas Day is a quiet one for U.S. horse racing, with Thoroughbred and harness tracks alike taking the day off. But internationally, many racetracks are in action.

International

Racing at Parx.

Racing at Parx. (Photo by Equi-Photo)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Parx’s mandatory-payout Pick 5 carryover

Tue Dec 23 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Dec. 24 at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, along with a horse to single in the mandatory-payout $24,252 Pick 5 carryover at Parx Racing.

Gulfstream Park

Chip Honcho wins the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds.

Chip Honcho wins the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Chip Honcho, Express Kid emerge

Tue Dec 23 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 130 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Racing at Delta Downs

Racing at Delta Downs (Photo by Coady Photography/Delta Downs)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Exactas at Delta Downs

Tue Dec 23 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Dec. 23 at Delta Downs and Turf Paradise, including exactas and a trifecta.

Best Bets

Thailand breaking his maiden at Turfway Park

Thailand breaking his maiden at Turfway Park (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Four from Fair Grounds, Turfway

Mon Dec 22 2025J. Keeler Johnson

On Saturday at Fair Grounds, unraced two-year-old Golden Tempo debuted with an eye-catching performance, suggesting he could be any sort of talent.

Triple Crown

Express Kid dominated the Remington Springboard Mile

Longshot Express Kid dominated the Remington Springboard Mile (Photo by Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Express Kid

Mon Dec 22 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Express Kid, the gate-to-wire winner of the Remington Springboard Mile S. on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, was purchased for only $2,000 as a yearling.

Triple Crown

Chip Honcho wins the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds.

Chip Honcho wins the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chip Honcho

Mon Dec 22 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Chip Honcho joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a determined win in the Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds. But his pedigree is a bit unorthodox for a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.

Triple Crown

Racing at Turf Paradise.

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

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Doubles and a Pick 3 at Turf Paradise

Mon Dec 22 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Dec. 22 at Turf Paradise, including cold double and Pick 3 wagers.

Best Bets

Encino winning the John Battaglia Memorial S. at Turfway Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Encino winning the John Battaglia Memorial S. at Turfway Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Bets for the $750 Turfway Synthetic Championships NHC Qualifier

Sun Dec 21 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The Turfway Park Synthetic Championships is taking place at Turfway Park on Sunday. Four stakes worth a combined $1 million serve as the sporting highlights.

Turfway Park

Racing at Oaklawn Park

Racing at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Oaklawn: Analyzing the $110,127 Classix Pick 6 carryover

Sat Dec 20 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The $1 Classix Pick 6 at Oaklawn Park has accumulated a massive non-jackpot carryover worth $110,127 for Saturday’s card.

Oaklawn Park

Racing at Oaklawn Park.

Racing at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Photography)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Oaklawn’s $45,113 Pick 6 carryover

Fri Dec 19 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Dec. 19, at Fair Grounds and Turfway Park, along with a horse to single in the $45,113 Pick 6 carryover at Oaklawn Park.

Oaklawn Park

Pyromancer winning the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse

Pyromancer winning the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Pyromancer

Thu Dec 18 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Pyromancer emerged as a 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender when he brought his record to a perfect 3-for-3 in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse.

Triple Crown

Fair Grounds racetrack grandstand racing scene sunset

Racing at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Juveniles at Fair Grounds, Turfway

Thu Dec 18 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Dec. 18 at Fair Grounds and Turfway Park, including win bets on unraced two-year-olds.

Fair Grounds