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 Finger Lakes (Photo by SV Photography)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mission Avenue can strike at 20-1

Mon Jun 09 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, June 9 at Thistledown and Finger Lakes, along with a horse to single in the $1,403 Pick 5 carryover at Presque Isle Downs.

Best Bets

Eclatant wins at Churchill Downs.

Eclatant wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

Churchill Downs: How to bet the $241,646 Pick 5 carryover

Sun Jun 08 2025J. Keeler Johnson

There were several major upsets on Saturday at Churchill Downs, which is why there’s a massive $241,646 Late Pick 5 carryover up for grabs during Sunday’s card.

Wagering

Soul Rush wins the 2025 Dubai Turf (G1) at Meydan

Soul Rush (outside) on the verge of edging Romantic Warrior in the 2025 Dubai Turf (G1) at Meydan (Photo courtesy of Dubai Racing Club)

Horse racing to bet after the 2025 Belmont Stakes

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Saturday’s horse racing action doesn’t end with the running of the 157th Belmont Stakes (G1) at approximately 7:04 p.m. ET.

International

Beaza wins at Santa Anita.

Beaza wins at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Baeza

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

A gallant runner-up finish in a strong renewal of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) has stamped Baeza as a compelling candidate for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).

Triple Crown

Baeza trains for the Kentucky Derby

Baeza trains for the Kentucky Derby (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

2025 Belmont Stakes: Which horses are bred to handle the distance?

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

For the second straight year, the $2 million Belmont (G1) is taking place over 1 1/4 miles at Saratoga, a quarter-mile shorter than its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance at Belmont Park.

Triple Crown

Journalism winning the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at Los Alamitos (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Journalism winning the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at Los Alamitos (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Journalism

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Sometimes it’s possible to glance at a horse's pedigree and conclude with certainty they’re bred to shine racing classic distances, including the 1 1/4-mile journey of the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Triple Crown

Racing at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Santa Anita: Betting a double in the Summertime Oaks

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Far away from the rain at Saratoga, it’s bright and sunny for the Saturday card at Santa Anita, which is highlighted by the $100,000 Summertime Oaks (G3).

Wagering

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sovereignty

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

There was a time not too many years ago when a horse like Sovereignty might have been overlooked as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender because of his pedigree.

Triple Crown

Sovereignty wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Sovereignty wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. (Photos by Horsephotos.com)

Picks and plays for the $400 Churchill Downs Challenge tournament

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Amid the excitement surrounding Saturday’s Belmont (G1) card at Saratoga, don’t forget to play the $400 Churchill Downs Challenge tournament on TwinSpires.com.

Wagering

Arcangelo wins the 155th Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park

Arcangelo wins the 155th Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Chelsea Durand)

2025 Belmont Stakes purse: How much prize money the winning owner and trainer will earn

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

With a purse of $2 million, the Belmont (G1) ranks among the richest Thoroughbred horse races in North America.

Triple Crown

Mo Donegal with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up wins the 2022 Belmont Stakes

Mo Donegal with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up wins the 2022 Belmont Stakes (Photo by Chelsea Durand/Coglianese Photos)

2025 Belmont Stakes purse: How much prize money the winning jockey will earn

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The winning Belmont (G1) jockey earns a lucrative payday for their skill negotiating two minutes of rapid-fire racing action around the Saratoga oval.

Triple Crown

Dornoch wins the Belmont S. (G1) during Belmont at Saratoga.

Dornoch wins the 2024 Belmont S. (G1) during Belmont at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Credit to Jetta Vaughns)

STUDY: Is skipping the Preakness beneficial for Belmont horses?

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Does skipping the Preakness give Kentucky Derby starters an advantage in the Belmont? Or has this prep approach become so widespread that wins are inevitable?

Triple Crown

Dornoch wins the Belmont S. (G1) during Belmont at Saratoga.

Dornoch wins the 2024 Belmont S. (G1) during Belmont at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Credit to Jetta Vaughns)

Everything to know about the 2025 Belmont Stakes post positions

Sat Jun 07 2025J. Keeler Johnson

It’s difficult to determine how much of an impact the post position draw for the 2025 Belmont (G1) will have on the outcome of the Triple Crown’s third leg.

Triple Crown