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 Turf Paradise.

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

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Pace favors Vulin at 5-1

Mon Apr 13 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 13 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including a 5-1 shot who figures to receive a favorable pace setup.

Best Bets

Civil Liberty at Santa Anita.

Civil Liberty at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Picks: $1,000 Keeneland tournament, $18,587 Oaklawn Pick 6

Sun Apr 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to play in a $1,000 tournament at Keeneland and an $18,587 Pick 6 carryover at Oaklawn Park.

Oaklawn Park

Heeere's Johnny training for the 2025 Breeders' Cup

Heeere's Johnny training for the 2025 Breeders' Cup (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Keeneland: $154,006 Pick 6 carryover, $3,500 tournament

Sat Apr 11 2026J. Keeler Johnson

A huge Pick 6 carryover and a high-profile tournament are among the betting highlights on the second Saturday of the Keeneland spring meet.

Tournaments

Zulu Kingdom winning the American Turf (G1) at Churchill Downs

Zulu Kingdom winning the American Turf (G1) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Four lucrative Pick 6 carryovers

Fri Apr 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 10 at Keeneland and Oaklawn Park, along with horses to play in a quartet of Pick 6 carryovers at Mahoning Valley, Aqueduct, Keeneland, and Oaklawn.

Oaklawn Park

Chief Wallabee wins at Gulfstream Park.

Chief Wallabee wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chief Wallabee

Thu Apr 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

There are no certainties in horse racing, but it seems reasonable to conclude Chief Wallabee has the pedigree to relish racing 1 1/4 miles in the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1).

Triple Crown

Right to Party

Right to Party (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Right to Party

Thu Apr 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Right to Party, a late nominee to the Triple Crown, stamped his ticket to the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) with top-three finishes in the Gotham (G3) and Wood Memorial (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Triple Crown

Racing at Aqueduct

Racing at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct’s $50,563 Pick 6 carryover

Wed Apr 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 9, at Keeneland and Aqueduct, including horses to play in Aqueduct’s $50,563 Pick 6 carryover.

Best Bets

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis (Photo by Coady Photography)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Liam in the Dust cuts back in trip

Wed Apr 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 8, at Keeneland and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a 5-1 shot cutting back in distance.

Best Bets

Further Ado wins the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.

Further Ado wins the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Further Ado crushes the Blue Grass

Tue Apr 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 25 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Secretariat

Secretariat wins the 1973 Kentucky Derby (Courtesy of the Kentucky Derby/Churchill Downs)

Fastest Kentucky Derby Times: What History Tells Us

Tue Apr 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The Kentucky Derby (G1) adopted its current 1 1/4-mile distance in 1896. In the ensuing decades, the fastest and average winning times have decreased significantly.

Triple Crown

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis

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

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Opening day at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Tue Apr 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 7, at Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with a ticket for the $19,187 Pick 5 carryover at Mahoning Valley.

Best Bets

So Happy wins the Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita.

So Happy wins the Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: So Happy

Mon Apr 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

After enjoying early success in sprints, So Happy stretched out over 1 1/8 miles to win the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Triple Crown

Albus wins the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

Albus wins the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Albus

Mon Apr 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Can Albus, a son of tried-and-true sprinter Yaupon, handle the testing distance of 1 1/4 miles in the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1)?

Triple Crown