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.

Always a Runner wins the 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

Always a Runner wins the 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

2026 Kentucky Oaks winner: Always a Runner (5-1) wins the 152nd Kentucky Oaks

Sat May 02 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Always a Runner launched a determined rally down the Churchill Downs homestretch to post a comfortable victory in Friday’s 152nd running of the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Kentucky Derby

Affirmed and Steve Cauthen after winning the 1978 Kentucky Derby (Courtesy of the Kentucky Derby/Churchill Downs)

Affirmed and Steve Cauthen after winning the 1978 Kentucky Derby (Courtesy of the Kentucky Derby/Churchill Downs)

Which prep races produce the best Triple Crown contenders?

Fri May 01 2026J. Keeler Johnson

It’s widely known which prep races serve as the best stepping stones to the Kentucky Derby (G1). But which races produce the best Triple Crown contenders?

Triple Crown

Sovereignty wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

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

2026 Kentucky Derby purse: How much prize money the winning jockey will earn

Fri May 01 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The jockey who rides the winner of the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs is set to receive a six-figure payday.

Kentucky Derby

Mystik Dan in the Kentucky Derby winner's circle

Mystik Dan wears the garland of roses as the 150th Kentucky Derby winner (Photo by Horsephotos.com/Getty Images)

2026 Kentucky Derby Purse: How much prize money will the winning owner and trainer earn?

Fri May 01 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Have you ever wondered how much prize money the owner of a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner receives? Or what the payday for the winning trainer looks like?

Kentucky Derby

Racing at Santa Anita

Racing at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Santa Anita’s $157,177 Pick 6 carryover

Fri May 01 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, May 1 at Churchill Downs, Aqueduct, and Santa Anita, including horses to bet in Santa Anita’s $157,177 Pick 6 carryover.

Best Bets

Commandment wins at Churchill Downs.

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

How Keeler Johnson is betting the 2026 Kentucky Derby

Thu Apr 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

As I outlined when sharing my fair odds for the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1), I view this year’s Run for the Roses as a wide-open race with many possible win contenders.

Triple Crown

Taptastic winning his debut at Oaklawn Park

Taptastic winning his debut at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Media)

Picks and plays for the 2026 Kentucky Derby undercard

Thu Apr 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Saturday’s Kentucky Derby Day card at Churchill Downs is packed from start to finish with high-quality and competitive races.

Kentucky Derby

Caldera wins at Oaklawn Park.

Caldera wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Carryovers at Churchill, Santa Anita

Thu Apr 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 30 at Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park, and Oaklawn Park, along with horses to play in Super High 5 and Pick 6 carryovers at Churchill Downs and Santa Anita.

Gulfstream Park

Mage with Javier Castellano riding wins the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs

Mage with Javier Castellano riding wins the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Which running style wins the most Kentucky Derbys: Frontrunners, stalkers, or closers?

Thu Apr 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

When 20 talented racehorses vie for victory in the Kentucky Derby (G1), which running style is most likely to succeed?

Triple Crown

Mystik Dan in the Kentucky Derby winner's circle

Mystik Dan wears the garland of roses as the 150th Kentucky Derby winner (Photo by Horsephotos.com/Getty Images)

2026 Kentucky Derby Purse: How much prize money will the winning owner and trainer earn?

Thu Apr 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Have you ever wondered how much prize money the owner of a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner receives? Or what the payday for the winning trainer looks like?

Kentucky Derby

Sovereignty wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

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

2026 Kentucky Derby purse: How much prize money the winning jockey will earn

Thu Apr 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The jockey who rides the winner of the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs is set to receive a six-figure payday.

Kentucky Derby

T O Elvis romped in the Capella (G3) at Nakayama

T O Elvis romped in the Capella (G3) at Nakayama (Photo copyright Japan Racing Association

Pace could aid Japan’s T O Elvis in Churchill Downs Stakes

Wed Apr 29 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The Churchill Downs (G1), a seven-furlong sprint held on the Kentucky Derby (G1) undercard at Churchill Downs, has an international flavor this year.

Analysis

Danon Bourbon at Churchill Downs (Photo by Horsephotos.com/Rickelle Nelson)

Danon Bourbon at Churchill Downs (Photo by Horsephotos.com/Rickelle Nelson)

2026 Kentucky Derby: Which horses are bred to handle mud?

Wed Apr 29 2026J. Keeler Johnson

As of Wednesday, the weather forecast for Kentucky Derby (G1) day at Churchill Downs looks dry. But you never know when a rainstorm might pop up and change the picture.

Triple Crown