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.

Turfway Park starting gate scenic

Racing at Turfway Park (Photo by Coady Photography/Turfway Park)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway’s $2,864 Super High 5 carryover

Wed Jan 14 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Jan. 14 at Tampa Bay Downs and Turf Paradise, along with horses to use in Turfway Park’s $2,864 Super High 5 carryover.

Turfway Park

Racing at Will Rogers Downs

Racing at Will Rogers Downs (Photo by Coady Photography/Will Rogers Downs)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Daily double at Will Rogers Downs

Tue Jan 13 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including a cold daily double.

Best Bets

So Happy wins the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita.

So Happy wins the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: So Happy, Robusta win at Santa Anita

Mon Jan 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 110 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: 5 wins for proven trainers

Mon Jan 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Trainers Bill Mott, Doug O’Neill, Todd Pletcher, and Kenny McPeek have combined to win seven editions of the Kentucky Derby (G1). Their rosters of potential 2026 Kentucky Derby contenders grew last week as each saddled at least one notable maiden winner.

Triple Crown

Mahoning Valley Race Course (Photo courtesy of Mahoning Valley)

Mahoning Valley Race Course (Photo courtesy of Mahoning Valley)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mahoning’s $6,796 Pick 5 carryover

Mon Jan 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Jan. 12 at Sunland Park and Turf Paradise, along with a horse to single in the $6,796 Pick 5 carryover at Mahoning Valley.

Best Bets

Racing at Santa Anita

Racing at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Santa Anita: How to bet the $19,444 Super High 5 carryover

Sun Jan 11 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The Sunday card at Santa Anita is highlighted by a $19,444 carryover in the $1 Super High 5.

Wagering

Fair Grounds racetrack grandstand racing scene sunset

Racing at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Picks: $17,329 Pick 5 carryover, KDBC/NHC Qualifier tournament

Sat Jan 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horse to bet in a Pick 5 carryover at Laurel Park and a TwinSpires tournament involving Fair Grounds and Tampa Bay Downs.

Tournaments

Turfway Park starting gate scenic

Racing at Turfway Park (Photo by Coady Photography/Turfway Park)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway’s $3,304 Super High 5 carryover

Fri Jan 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Jan. 9 at Fair Grounds, Santa Anita, and Turfway Park, including tickets for Turfway’s $3,304 Super High 5 carryover.

Fair Grounds

Racing at Gulfstream Park

Racing at Gulfstream Park (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Gulfstream’s $28,543 Super High 5 carryover

Thu Jan 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Jan. 8 at Santa Anita, along with tickets for the $28,543 Super High 5 carryover at Gulfstream Park.

Gulfstream Park

Racing at Tampa Bay Downs

Racing at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by SV Photography)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 10-1 at Tampa Bay Downs

Wed Jan 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Jan. 7 at Tampa Bay Downs, Delta Downs, and Turfway Park, including a 10-1 longshot.

Turfway Park

Strategic Risk wins the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park.

Strategic Risk wins the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media/Andrew Stauffacher)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Strategic Risk, My World impress

Tue Jan 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 116 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Racing at Turf Paradise.

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

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Price plays at Turf Paradise

Tue Jan 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Turf Paradise, including win bets on horses offering 6-1 and 8-1 morning-line odds.

Best Bets

Del Mar Scenic

Del Mar Scenic (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

The Smartest Bet in Horse Racing: 4 Strategies for Success

Mon Jan 05 2026J. Keeler Johnson

What is the smartest bet in horse racing? The answer is both incredibly complex and surprisingly simple.

Education