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.

Two Eagles River wins at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

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

Thu May 01 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, May 1 at Churchill Downs, along with a horse to single in Hawthorne’s $7,717 Pick 6 carryover.

Best Bets

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)

STUDY: Do Kentucky Derby winners earn more per second than other athletes?

Thu May 01 2025J. Keeler Johnson

When Mystik Dan battled to a narrow victory in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1), he claimed a first-prize purse worth $3.1 million.

Triple Crown

Governor Sam wins the Indian Summer at Keeneland.

Governor Sam wins the Indian Summer at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media/Renee Torbit)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: The Tabulator’s sibling debuts

Wed Apr 30 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 30 at Churchill Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a first-time starter at 10-1 odds.

Best Bets

West Hollywood winning the Saranac (G3) at Saratoga

West Hollywood winning the Saranac (G3) at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Susie Raisher)

Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: West Hollywood can rebound

Tue Apr 29 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 29 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, including a cold double bet.

Best Bets

Pinky Finger romps in her debut at Keeneland

Pinky Finger romps in her debut at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Media)

Churchill Downs: How to bet the 2025 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes

Tue Apr 29 2025J. Keeler Johnson

This year’s Kentucky Juvenile has drawn an eight-horse field, and morning-line favorite #5 Pinky Finger (8-5) looks like a standout.

Wagering

Journalism working at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Journalism working at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Latest workouts and position post draw

Tue Apr 29 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is five days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the first Saturday in May approaches:

Kentucky Derby

Lambeth breaking his maiden at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Lambeth breaking his maiden at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Churchill Downs: How to bet the 2025 Isaac Murphy Marathon

Tue Apr 29 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Since its inaugural edition in 2019, high-quality marathoners like Next and Lone Rock have won the Isaac Murphy Marathon. Lambeth looks ready to join the club.

Wagering

Final Gambit trains for the Kentucky Derby (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Final Gambit trains for the Kentucky Derby (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

2025 Kentucky Derby Brisnet Late Pace rating report

Tue Apr 29 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Brisnet Late Pace ratings have done well in identifying potential Kentucky Derby (G1) winners in recent years.

Triple Crown

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

STUDY: Is the Kentucky Derby's Apollo Curse a negative or positive?

Mon Apr 28 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Is a lack of juvenile racing experience a detriment in the Kentucky Derby, or is the Apollo Curse a myth resulting from an insufficient sample size of horses?

Triple Crown

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

Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mendelssohns Music should like turf

Mon Apr 28 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 28 at Will Rogers Downs, Thistledown, and Turf Paradise, including a trifecta.

Best Bets

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

STUDY: Is the average age of Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys rising?

Sun Apr 27 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Anecdotally, it appears the average age of Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys has increased over the past 100 years. Does this hold up under closer scrutiny?

Kentucky Derby

Hawthorne (Photo by Four Footed Fotos)

Hawthorne (Photo by Four Footed Fotos)

Analyzing Sunday carryovers at Hawthorne and Santa Anita

Sun Apr 27 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to play in a pair of Sunday carryovers at Hawthorne and Santa Anita, including a first-time starter at 6-1 odds.

Wagering

In the winner's circle after the 2018 Kentucky Derby

In the winner's circle after the 2018 Kentucky Derby (Photo by Coady Photography)

2025 Kentucky Derby purse: How much prize money will the winning owner and trainer earn

Sat Apr 26 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Have you ever wondered how much prize money the winning Kentucky Derby owner receives? Or how much prize money the trainer takes home? We have the answers.

Kentucky Derby