Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Welder Stakes exacta
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
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.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: The Puma
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
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Potente
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.
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Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Taptastic overcomes tough trip
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
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 8-1 shot at Fair Grounds
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
Santa Anita: Analyzing Sunday’s $67,799 Pick 6 carryover
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: Single for Saturday’s $24,712 Pick 5 carryover
The betting highlight of Saturday’s card at Fair Grounds is a $24,712 carryover in the 50-cent Late Pick 5.
Fair Grounds
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Carryovers around the country
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
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Oaklawn’s $53,697 Pick 6 carryover
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
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Double at Tampa Bay Downs
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, March 4, at Tampa Bay Downs and Turf Paradise, including a daily double.
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Commandment among weekend winners
The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 60 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
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Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turf Paradise Pick 3
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, March 3 at Turf Paradise, including a cold Pick 3 wager.
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Class President
Ten years ago, a young stallion named Uncle Mo made headlines when his son Nyquist prevailed in the 2016 Kentucky Derby (G1).
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Commandment
Can Commandment make history and become the fourth son of perennial leading North American sire Into Mischief to win the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Giant win for Cherokee Nation
Eight years ago, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert saddled February maiden winner Justify to win the Kentucky Derby (G1). Can Cherokee Nation do the same?
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Iron Honor
A determined charge down the Aqueduct homestretch carried Iron Honor to a one-length victory in the Gotham (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Triple Crown
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Sunland Park Pick 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, March 2 at Sunland Park, Will Rogers Downs, and Turf Paradise, including a horse to single in Sunland’s $845 Pick 5 carryover.
Best Bets
Oaklawn: Tournaments, carryover among Sunday betting options
There are plenty of enticing betting opportunities for bettors to pursue on a stakes-packed Sunday at Oaklawn Park.
Oaklawn Park
Analyzing Aqueduct’s $19,875 Pick 6 carryover
The final day of February brings a $19,875 carryover in the $1 Pick 6 at Aqueduct.
Wagering
The Most Predictive Horse Racing Metrics: What Actually Moves the Odds
Intuitively, we know hot jockeys, hot trainers, and strong speed figures are some of the major handicapping angles that attract betting support. But what does the data say?
Analysis
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Santa Anita’s $198,741 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Feb. 27 at Turfway Park, along with a horse to single in Santa Anita’s $198,741 Pick 6 carryover.
Turfway Park
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Lucky Kid
Lucky Kid could be bound for the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) after holding off a late challenger to win the Hyacinth S. over 1,600 meters (about one mile) at Tokyo Racecourse.
Triple Crown
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Trifectas at Gulfstream, Fair Grounds
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Feb. 26 at Gulfstream Park, Fair Grounds, and Turfway Park, along with analysis of the $14,968 Pick 6 carryover at Oaklawn Park.
Gulfstream Park
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Prep races in four countries
The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 66 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Triple Crown
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway’s $17,306 Super High 5 carryover
Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Turfway Park, including tickets for the $17,306 Super High 5 carryover.
Turfway Park
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Miskellieanne at 6-1
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including a 6-1 shot switching from turf to dirt.
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Great White
Does Great White have the pedigree to excel racing 1 1/4 miles on dirt in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? That’s an important question to ask, because his racing record doesn’t reveal the answer.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Blacksmith scores for Baffert
In an unusual oddity, this week’s Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch is led by a horse who has already proven his worth on the Road to the Kentucky Derby: Blacksmith.
Triple Crown
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Sunland Park Pick 3
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Feb. 23 at Sunland Park, including a Pick 3.
Best Bets
Santa Anita: Five-figure Pick 6 and Super High 5 carryovers
Five-figure Pick 6 and Super High 5 carryovers are among the betting highlights on Sunday at Santa Anita.
Wagering