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 Woodbine

Racing at Woodbine (Photo by Michael Burns)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Woodbine Pick 5 and Pick 6 carryovers

Fri Oct 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Oct. 9 at Keeneland and Belmont Park, along with horses to use in five-figure Pick 5 and Pick 6 carryovers at Woodbine.

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Keeneland

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Cavalry Call tries dirt

Thu Oct 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Oct. 8 at Keeneland and Presque Isle Downs, along with a horse to single in the mandatory-payout $4,424 Pick 6 carryover at Thistledown.

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American History wins the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland.

American History wins the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media/Kurtis Coady)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: American History

Wed Oct 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

A determined rally from behind a fast pace carried American History to victory in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

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U. S. S. Valor wins the Champagne (G1) at Belmont Park.

U. S. S. Valor wins the Champagne (G1) at Belmont Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Chelsea Durand)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: U. S. S. Valor

Wed Oct 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

U. S. S. Valor ranks among the most exciting contenders for the 2027 Kentucky Derby (G1) after unleashing a powerful finish to win Belmont Park's one-mile Champagne (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

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Belmont Park Racetrack (Photo by Coglianese Photos/NYRA)

Belmont Park Racetrack (Photo by Coglianese Photos/NYRA)

Wednesday's Best Bets and Quick Picks: Belmont’s $39,713 Pick 6 carryover

Wed Oct 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Keeneland and Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with a horse to single in the $39,713 Pick 6 carryover at Belmont Park.

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Hughes stayed undefeated while giving Bob Baffert his 20th Del Mar Futurity (G1)

Hughes stayed undefeated while giving Bob Baffert his 20th Del Mar Futurity (G1) (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Hughes

Tue Oct 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Can Hughes make history as the fourth son of Into Mischief to win the Kentucky Derby (G1)? The talent he’s displayed so far suggests it’s a realistic possibility.

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Mystik Bayou breaks his maiden at Belmont Park.

Mystik Bayou breaks his maiden at Belmont Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Chelsea Durand)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Mystik Dan’s half-brother wins

Tue Oct 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

In the long history of the Kentucky Derby (G1), no mare has foaled more than one winner of the great race. Could that change in 2027?

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Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis

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

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: How to play the $4,437 Grand High 5 carryover

Tue Oct 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Presque Isle Downs, including a ticket for the $4,437 Super High 5 carryover at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

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Emphatic went wire to wire in the Alcibiades (G1)

Emphatic went wire to wire in the Alcibiades (G1) (Photo by Coady Media/Yeruza Rodriguez)

Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Emphatic, Hughes among 23 qualifiers

Mon Oct 05 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland is 25 days away. Catch up on the latest news and developments with our weekly Breeders’ Cup Roundup:

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Racing at Finger Lakes

Racing at Finger Lakes (Photo by SV Photography)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Finger Lakes $19,576 Pick 5 carryover

Mon Oct 05 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Oct. 5 at Presque Isle Downs, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Assiniboia Downs, along with a horse to single in the $19,576 Pick 5 carryover at Finger Lakes.

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Fully Subscribed wins the Personal Ensign at Saratoga.

Fully Subscribed wins the Personal Ensign at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Chelsea Durand)

Keeneland Sunday picks: $25,541 carryover, $1,000 tournament

Sun Oct 04 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The Sunday card at Keeneland includes three stakes, a $25,541 Super High 5 carryover, and a bevy of TwinSpires tournaments led by the $1,000 Keeneland BCBC/NHC Qualifier.

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Keeneland

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

Analyzing Saturday Pick 6 carryovers at Belmont, Keeneland, Santa Anita

Sat Oct 03 2026J. Keeler Johnson

A huge Saturday of coast-to-coast Breeders’ Cup prep races just got even better with the emergence of three non-jackpot Pick 6 carryovers at major tracks.

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Racing at Santa Anita

Racing at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Santa Anita’s $20,561 Super High 5 carryover

Fri Oct 02 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Oct. 2 at Belmont Park, Keeneland, and Santa Anita, including tickets for Santa Anita’s $20,561 Super High 5 carryover.

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