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.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Maiden Watch: Stronghold is strong

Mon Oct 02 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Three maiden special weights at Churchill Downs last week produced possible Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and/or Road to the Kentucky Derby contenders.
Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Oct. 2, 2023

Mon Oct 02 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Half of this week’s Breeders’ Cup qualifying action took place at ParisLongchamp in France, where a quintet of Group 1 races awarded “Win and You’re In” tickets.
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Oct. 2, 2023

Mon Oct 02 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Oct. 2 at Finger Lakes and Presque Isle Downs, including horses to play in the $2,316 Pick 6 carryover at Finger Lakes.
Churchill: Singles for the mandatory-payout $150,260 Pick 6 carryover

Sun Oct 01 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Sunday is closing day of the Churchill Downs September meet, which means the $150,260 jackpot carryover in the 20-cent “Derby City 6” Pick 6 is slated for a mandatory payout.
Churchill Downs: How to bet the $9,774 Super High 5 carryover

Sat Sep 30 2023J. Keeler Johnson

$9,774. That’s the size of the non-jackpot Super High 5 carryover up for grabs in Saturday’s opening race at Churchill Downs. It’s not quite five figures, but it’s close, and it’s an enticing prize pool.
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Sept. 29, 2023

Fri Sep 29 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Sept. 29 at Aqueduct, Churchill Downs, and Santa Anita, including a win bet capitalizing on the Churchill Downs $10 Money Back promotion.
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Sept. 28, 2023

Thu Sep 28 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Sept. 28 at Churchill Downs and Charles Town, including horses to play in carryovers at Churchill and Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Sept. 27, 2023

Wed Sep 27 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Presque Isle Downs, Delaware Park, and Churchill Downs, along with tickets for the $2,706 Super High 5 carryover at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Identifying versatile sires can lead to lucrative payoffs

Tue Sep 26 2023J. Keeler Johnson

When a male racehorse enjoys success racing over a particular surface (dirt, turf, or synthetic), it’s easy to assume his progeny will follow suit. But sometimes they prove more versatile than expected.
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Sept. 26

Tue Sep 26 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Presque Isle Downs, including a 10-1 longshot.
Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Sept. 25, 2023

Mon Sep 25 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner Saudi Crown is expected to target the Breeders’ Cup, with both the Classic (G1) and the shorter Dirt Mile (G1) being viable options.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Maiden Watch: Asmussen trainees score at Churchill

Mon Sep 25 2023J. Keeler Johnson

A pair of second-time starters from the Steve Asmussen barn graduated in seven-furlong maiden special weights at Churchill Downs last Friday, emerging as possible Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and/or Road to the Kentucky Derby contenders.
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays Sept. 25

Mon Sep 25 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Sept. 25 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Presque Isle Downs, along with tickets for the $1,722 Super High 5 carryover at Golden Gate Fields.