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 Zia Park

Racing at Zia Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Superfectas at Zia Park

Tue Dec 02 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Dec. 2 at Zia Park and Turf Paradise, including trifecta and superfecta tickets.

Best Bets

Cannoneer breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs

Cannoneer breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Cannoneer stuns in return

Mon Dec 01 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The Stars of Tomorrow II program on Saturday at Churchill Downs yielded a pair of exciting maiden winners with compelling 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) credentials.

Triple Crown

Further Ado wins the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Further Ado wins the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Further Ado

Mon Dec 01 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Further Ado joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a rallying win in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Triple Crown

Racing at Turf Paradise.

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

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Velocious drops in class

Mon Dec 01 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Dec. 1 at Mahoning Valley, Zia Park, and Turf Paradise, including a 20-1 longshot.

Best Bets

Satono Voyage wins the Cattleya S. at Tokyo

Satono Voyage captured the first scoring race on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Cattleya S. at Tokyo (Photo by Tomoya Moriuchi/Horsephotos.com)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Satono Voyage

Sun Nov 30 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Leading sire Into Mischief is launching a multinational assault on the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1).

Triple Crown

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Massive mandatory-payout carryovers at Churchill, Del Mar

Sun Nov 30 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The final day of November is also the final day of 2025 racing at Churchill Downs and Del Mar. That means the mandatory payout of two massive carryovers.

Wagering

Racing at Gulfstream Park

Racing at Gulfstream Park (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Gulfstream Park: Who to single in the $184,136 Rainbow Pick 6 mandatory payout

Sat Nov 29 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Get ready—on Saturday at Gulfstream Park, a $184,136 Rainbow Pick 6 carryover will be dispersed in mandatory fashion. The final pool for the 20-cent wager is projected to reach the $2 million range.

Gulfstream Park

Chunk of Gold wins the West Virginia Derby at Moutaineer.

Chunk of Gold wins the West Virginia Derby at Moutaineer. (Photo by Coady Media/Ashley Phillips)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 10-1 in the Clark Stakes

Fri Nov 28 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Nov. 28 at Fair Grounds and Churchill Downs, including a 10-1 longshot in the Clark (G2).

Best Bets

Royal Spa wins the Locust Grove (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Royal Spa wins the Locust Grove (G2) at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Thanksgiving Day stakes

Thu Nov 27 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares Thanksgiving Day best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Nov. 27, at Gulfstream Park and Churchill Downs, including two stakes.

Gulfstream Park

Turf racing at Churchill Downs

Turf racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Tickets for an $11,117 carryover

Wed Nov 26 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Nov. 26 at Churchill Downs, including tickets for the $11,117 Super High 5 carryover.

Best Bets

Further Ado broke his maiden by 20 lengths at Keeneland

Further Ado broke his maiden by 20 lengths at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Further Ado makes stakes debut

Tue Nov 25 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 159 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Holy Hank wins the New Mexico Classic Juvenile S. at Zia Park.

Holy Hank wins the New Mexico Classic Juvenile S. at Zia Park. (Photo by Coady Media).

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Three stakes at Zia Park

Tue Nov 25 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for a trio of stakes on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Zia Park.

Best Bets

Mob winning a Churchill Downs maiden special weight

Mob winning a Churchill Downs maiden special weight (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Chip Honcho, Mob impress

Mon Nov 24 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Nine days before the running of the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs, a one-mile maiden special weight over the same track produced an outcome that could influence how bettors handicap the Kentucky Jockey Club.

Triple Crown