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 Aqueduct

Racing at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct’s $91,498 Pick 6 carryover

Thu Feb 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Feb. 12 at Fair Grounds, Turf Paradise, and Turfway Park, along with a horse to single in Aqueduct’s $91,498 Pick 6 carryover.

Fair Grounds

Racing at Tampa Bay Downs

Racing at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by SV Photography)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Price plays at Tampa

Wed Feb 11 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Tampa Bay Downs, along with a horse to single in Aqueduct’s $37,412 Pick 6 carryover.

Best Bets

Silent Tactic wins the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Silent Tactic wins the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Silent Tactic among four new winners

Tue Feb 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 81 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Racing at Will Rogers Downs

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

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

Tue Feb 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Turf Paradise and Will Rogers Downs, including a daily double.

Best Bets

Emerging Market wins at Tampa Bay Downs.

Emerging Market wins at Tampa Bay Downs. (Photo by SV Photography)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Emerging Market runs fast at Tampa

Mon Feb 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Is Emerging Market an emerging 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender? He certainly looked like one when battling to victory in a Saturday maiden special weight at Tampa Bay Downs.

Triple Crown

Renegade wins the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

Renegade wins the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. (Photo by SV Photography)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Renegade

Mon Feb 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Renegade has shown talent and stamina on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, winning the 1 1/16-mile Sam F. Davis S. and placing second in the 1 1/8-mile Remsen (G2).

Triple Crown

Plutarch wins the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita.

Plutarch wins the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Plutarch

Mon Feb 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

It’s fitting to see Plutarch emerge as a 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender. His pedigree contains two of the most dominant Kentucky Derby sires of the last decade.

Triple Crown

Talk to Me Jimmy wins the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct.

Talk to Me Jimmy wins the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Talk to Me Jimmy

Mon Feb 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Talk to Me Jimmy made his Road to the Kentucky Derby debut a winning one in the 1 1/8-mile Withers S., leading all the way to dominate by 11 lengths.

Triple Crown

Silent Tactic wins the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Silent Tactic wins the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Silent Tactic

Mon Feb 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

A powerful rally from off the pace carried Silent Tactic to a decisive win in the Southwest (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Triple Crown

Racing at Turf Paradise.

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

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $12,283 Pick 5 carryover at Turf Paradise

Mon Feb 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Feb. 9 at Sunland Park and Turf Paradise, including a horse to single in Turf Paradise’s $12,283 Pick 5 carryover.

Best Bets

Racing at Sunland Park

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

Sunland Park: How to bet the $788 Super High 5 carryover

Sun Feb 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

If you can select the top five finishers, in order, in Sunday’s ninth race at Sunland Park, you can win a share of a $788 carryover in the 50-cent Super High 5.

Wagering

Nitrogen wins the Alabama at Saratoga.

Nitrogen wins the Alabama at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Oaklawn Park: Single for the $49,889 Pick 6 carryover

Sat Feb 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The elusive $1 Classix Pick 6 at Oaklawn Park has tossed up a $49,889 carryover for Saturday’s card.

Oaklawn Park

Racing at Oaklawn Park.

Racing at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Photography)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Carryovers across the country

Fri Feb 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Feb. 6, at Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park, along with horses to play in five-figure carryovers at Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita, and Turfway Park.

Gulfstream Park