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 Assiniboia Downs

Racing at Assiniboia Downs (Courtesy of Assiniboia Downs)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Bartender faces older foes

Tue Sep 15 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Finger Lakes, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Assiniboia Downs, including a three-year-old facing older rivals.

Best Bets

Salahudin hit his best stride late in the Iroquois (G3)

Salahudin hit his best stride late in the Iroquois (G3) (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Salahudin

Mon Sep 14 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Salahudin was the first horse to strike on the 2026-27 Road to the Kentucky Derby, opening the series with a determined triumph in the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs.

Triple Crown

Notable Speech defends his title in the Woodbine Mile (G1)

Notable Speech defends his title in the Woodbine Mile (G1) (Photo by Coady Media)

Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Notable Speech stars in Woodbine Mile

Mon Sep 14 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland is 46 days away. Catch up on the latest news and developments with our weekly Breeders’ Cup Roundup:

Breeders Cup

Racing at Presque Isle Downs

Racing at Presque Isle Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Presque Isle Pick 5 carryovers

Mon Sep 14 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Sept. 14, at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Assiniboia Downs, along with horses to play in a pair of Pick 5 carryovers at Presque Isle Downs.

Best Bets

Racing at Gulfstream Park

Racing at Gulfstream Park (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Carryover picks: Two mandatory payouts and Churchill’s Super High 5

Sun Sep 13 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to bet in a trio of Sunday carryovers at Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park, and Monmouth Park, including two mandatory-payout offerings.

Wagering

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Churchill Downs picks: $8,702 Super High 5 and $1,000 tournament

Sat Sep 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

If you’re planning to bet the Saturday card at Churchill Downs, a non-jackpot carryover and a high-profile TwinSpires tournament are two of the options you can pursue.

Tournaments

Turf racing at Churchill Downs

Turf racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Churchill’s $8,330 Super High 5 carryover

Fri Sep 11 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Sept. 11 at Churchill Downs, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Delaware Park, including horses to play in Churchill’s $8,330 Super High 5 carryover.

Best Bets

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Opening day plays at Churchill Downs

Thu Sep 10 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Sept. 10 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, including a pair of win bets on unraced juveniles.

Best Bets

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis (Photo by Coady Photography)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Denos Grace drops in class

Wed Sep 09 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Kentucky Downs, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Assiniboia Downs, along with a horse to single in the $544 Pick 5 carryover at Presque Isle Downs.

Best Bets

U. S. S. Valor breaks his maiden at Saratoga.

U. S. S. Valor breaks his maiden at Saratoga. (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Susie Raisher)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: U. S. S. Valor stuns at Saratoga

Tue Sep 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Did the 2027 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner compete at Saratoga last Saturday? It’s possible, if the spectacular performance of U. S. S. Valor in a seven-furlong maiden special weight is any indication.

Triple Crown

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis

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

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Tiny Tapper drops in class

Tue Sep 08 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Assiniboia Downs, and Presque Isle Downs.

Best Bets

Tiffany wins the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2) at Kentucky Downs.

Tiffany wins the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2) at Kentucky Downs. (Photo by Coady Media/Casey Cable)

Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Tiffany stars in Kentucky Turf Cup

Mon Sep 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland is 53 days away. Catch up on the latest news and developments with our weekly Breeders’ Cup Roundup:

Breeders Cup

Racing at Colonial Downs.

Racing at Colonial Downs. (Photo by Coady Photography)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Closing day at Colonial Downs

Mon Sep 07 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Sept. 7 at Colonial Downs, including a horse to single in the $7,373 Pick 6 carryover.

Best Bets