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 Horseshoe Indianapolis

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

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Indianapolis $17,612 Pick 5 carryover

Mon Nov 02 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Nov. 2, at Finger Lakes and Zia Park, along with a horse to single in the $17,612 Pick 5 carryover at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Espanol

Proletariat wins the Del Mar Derby (G2)

Proletariat delivered another front-running coup in the Del Mar Derby (G2) (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Carryover picks: $30,023 at Santa Anita, $4,990 at Churchill

Sun Nov 01 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to play in a trio of Sunday carryovers at Churchill Downs and Santa Anita.

Espanol

Racing at Gulfstream Park

Racing at Gulfstream Park (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Gulfstream: Single for Saturday’s $37,029 Place Pick 8 carryover

Sat Oct 31 2026J. Keeler Johnson

On Saturday at Gulfstream Park, you could theoretically win a share of a $37,029 carryover without picking a single winning horse.

Espanol

Keeneland

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

BCBC: Tight battle atop leaderboard following Day 1

Sat Oct 31 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The first day of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) ended with a close battle for the first three spots on the leaderboard.

Tournaments

Racing at Woodbine

Racing at Woodbine (Photo by Michael Burns)

Best Superfecta of the Week: Grey Stakes at Woodbine

Sat Oct 31 2026J. Keeler Johnson

If you’re looking for a superfecta to play on the first day of post-Breeders’ Cup racing, you should check out Sunday’s $175,000 Grey (G3), Race 8 at Woodbine.

Wagering

East Avenue wins at Ellis Park

East Avenue wins at Ellis Park (Photo by Coady Media)

Belmont Park Sunday stakes spot plays: Cold daily double

Sat Oct 31 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The first day of November—and the first day after the Breeders’ Cup—is a Sunday highlighted by five stakes on an 11-race card at Belmont Park.

Espanol

Program Training

Program Training (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Exotics plays for the 2026 Knickerbocker Stakes

Sat Oct 31 2026J. Keeler Johnson

While Keeneland is busy hosting the Breeders’ Cup, Belmont Park is putting on an 11-race Saturday card highlighted by the $175,000 Knickerbocker S.

Espanol

Majestic Oops wins the Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Majestic Oops wins the Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

2026 Breeders’ Cup: Under-the-radar contenders on Saturday

Sat Oct 31 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Many of the races on 2026 Breeders’ Cup Saturday feature competitive fields with appealing live longshots to consider betting.

Espanol

Belmont Park Racetrack (Photo by Coglianese Photos/NYRA)

Belmont Park Racetrack (Photo by Coglianese Photos/NYRA)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Belmont’s $18,380 Pick 6 carryover

Fri Oct 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Oct. 30 at Belmont Park, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Santa Anita, including a horse to single in Belmont’s $18,380 Pick 6 carryover.

Espanol

Emphatic went wire to wire in the Alcibiades (G1)
How to bet the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies

Fri Oct 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Although a dozen fillies have entered Friday’s $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Keeneland, #10 Emphatic (9-5) looms as a formidable favorite.

Espanol

Great Barrier Reef at Keeneland.

Great Barrier Reef at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media/Renee Torbit)

How to bet the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf

Fri Oct 30 2026J. Keeler Johnson

A remarkably competitive field will contest Friday’s $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) at Keeneland.

Espanol

Fools Rush In breaks his maiden at Churchill Downs.

Fools Rush In breaks his maiden at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Fools Rush In steps forward

Thu Oct 29 2026J. Keeler Johnson

In 2021, trainer Brad Cox won the Kentucky Derby with Mandaloun. Can Cox repeat the feat in 2027 with Fools Rush In or Lord Mischief?

Espanol

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Churchill’s $4,886 Super High 5 carryover

Thu Oct 29 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Oct. 29 at Churchill Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including tickets for Churchill’s $4,886 Super High 5 carryover.

Espanol