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 Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct’s $21,551 Pick 6 carryover

Thu Apr 17 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 17 at Gulfstream Park, Keeneland, and Charles Town, along with a horse to single in Aqueduct’s $21,551 Pick 6 carryover.

Gulfstream Park

Neoequos wins at Gulfstream Park.

Neoequos wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos / Credit to Lauren King)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Neoequos

Wed Apr 16 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Speed is a strong suit for Neoequos. But does he have the stamina to stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?

Triple Crown

Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis (Photo by Coady Photography)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 30-1 at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Wed Apr 16 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 16, at Keeneland and Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with tickets for the $3,014 Super High 5 carryover at Tampa Bay Downs.

Best Bets

Render Judgment wins at Churchill Downs.

Render Judgment wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media / Credit to Kurtis Coady)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Render Judgment

Tue Apr 15 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Render Judgment’s pedigree suggests he’ll stay 1 1/4 miles without issue, but does the stretch-running colt have enough speed to win the Kentucky Derby?

Triple Crown

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

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Horseshoe Indianapolis opening day

Tue Apr 15 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 15 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Will Rogers Downs, including a pair of exactas.

Best Bets

Burnham Square wins the Blue Grass.

Burnham Square wins the Blue Grass (G1) (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Burnham Square wins the Blue Grass

Mon Apr 14 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 19 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Triple Crown

Beaza wins at Santa Anita.

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

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Baeza

Mon Apr 14 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

Madaket Road wins at Santa Anita.

Madaket Road wins at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Madaket Road

Mon Apr 14 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Does Madaket Road have the requisite stamina to race 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests classic distances might be a little longer than ideal.

Triple Crown

Gosger wins at Keeneland.

Gosger wins the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Gosger

Mon Apr 14 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The final leg of the 2024-25 Road to the Kentucky Derby was the 1 1/16-mile Lexington (G3) at Keeneland, in which maiden winner Gosger successfully stepped up in class to win by two lengths.

Triple Crown

Racing at Will Rogers Downs (Photo by Coady Photography/Will Rogers Downs)

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Gray Lightning can win comeback

Mon Apr 14 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 14 at Parx Racing and Will Rogers Downs, including a play in the Wilma Mankiller S.

Best Bets

Racing at Gulfstream Park (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Gulfstream: Betting the $558,782 Pick 6 mandatory payout

Sun Apr 13 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The Sunday card at Gulfstream Park is highlighted by the mandatory payout of a $558,782 jackpot carryover in the Rainbow Pick 6.

Gulfstream Park

Grande wins at Gulfstream Park.

Grande wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grande

Sun Apr 13 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Grande qualified for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) via a strong runner-up finish in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.

Triple Crown

Flying Mohawk wins a turf allowance at Churchill Downs.

Flying Mohawk wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flying Mohawk

Sun Apr 13 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Can Flying Mohawk successfully switch from synthetic to dirt for the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests it’s not a guarantee.

Triple Crown