Kentucky Derby Roundup: Tiztastic, Final Gambit post upsets
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 40 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
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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.
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Miranda Diane Stakes exacta
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, March 24 at Turf Paradise and Will Rogers Downs, including an exacta in the Miranda Diane S.
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tiztastic
Of all the horses taking aim at the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), Tiztastic boasts one of the most interesting pedigrees.
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Final Gambit
A terrific homestretch rally allowed Final Gambit to overcome a bumping start and dominate the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), his Road to the Kentucky Derby debut.
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Fair Grounds: Analyzing the $62,343 Pick 6 carryover
Sunday is closing day at Fair Grounds, which means the $62,343 carryover in the $1 Pick 6 is scheduled to be paid out in mandatory fashion.
Fair Grounds
Turfway: Betting the Jeff Ruby Steaks $2,561 Super High 5 carryover
No one solved the Super High 5 on Friday at Turfway Park, which means Saturday’s offering of the $1 wager is bolstered by a $2,561 carryover.
Turfway Park
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Tampa’s $6,492 Super High 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, March 21 at Santa Anita, Turfway Park, and Charles Town along with a ticket for the $6,492 Super High 5 carryover at Tampa Bay Downs.
Turfway Park
STUDY: Consolidation of sire lines among leading Thoroughbred stallions
The landscape of Thoroughbred breeding in the United States has changed since the turn of the century.
Pedigree
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Stakes at Mahoning, Turf Paradise
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, March 20 at Mahoning Valley, Turf Paradise, and Turfway Park, along with analysis of carryovers at Fair Grounds and Gulfstream Park.
Gulfstream Park
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Fair Grounds $3,451 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, March 19 at Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and Turfway Park, along with horses to single in the $3,451 Pick 6 carryover at Fair Grounds.
Gulfstream Park
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Fair Grounds double
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, March 18 at Fair Grounds, including a Grade 1 filly returning from a layoff.
Fair Grounds
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Cox trainees stun at Colonial
Seven weeks out from the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), promising three-year-olds continue to post flashy maiden victories around the country.
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Kentucky Derby Roundup: American Promise wins Virginia Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 47 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
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Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Exactas at Santa Anita
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, March 17 at Santa Anita, including a pair of cold exactas.
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: American Promise
A 7 3/4-length demolition of the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs launched American Promise into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture.
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Sunday picks: Lucrative carryovers at Tampa, Fair Grounds, Santa Anita
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson analyzes a trio of Sunday carryovers at Tampa Bay Downs, Fair Grounds, and Santa Anita.
Fair Grounds
Saturday picks: KDBC Qualifier tournament, Fair Grounds Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares bets and horses to play in a TwinSpires tournament and a Pick 6 carryover on Saturday.
Fair Grounds
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Colonial’s $2,103 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, March 14 at Colonial Downs, Santa Anita, and Turfway Park, along with horses to single in Pick 6 carryovers at Colonial Downs and Fair Grounds.
Fair Grounds
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Plays for Colonial Downs
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, March 13 at Colonial Downs, along with a single for the $2,913 Pick 6 carryover at Fair Grounds.
Fair Grounds
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Cold Pick 3 at Turfway Park
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, March 12 at Turfway Park, along with horses to play in carryovers at Tampa Bay Downs and Fair Grounds.
Fair Grounds
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Louisiana Derby?
For decades, the Louisiana Derby had minimal impact on the Kentucky Derby. But that has changed sharply since the 1990s.
Fair Grounds
How old can a Thoroughbred horse jockey be? Success stories after age 50
In many sports, youth is an advantage for athletes. That’s not always the case with jockeys in Thoroughbred horse racing.
Analysis
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 3 plays at Turf Paradise
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, March 11 at Turf Paradise, including a win play at 9-2 morning-line odds.
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Accelerize, Zat’s the One shine
Can Accelerize qualify to the Kentucky Derby? It’s not out of the question after the talented three-year-old stunned on debut at Tampa Bay Downs.
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Kentucky Derby Roundup: Owen Almighty takes Tampa Bay Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 54 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
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Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $25 double at Turf Paradise
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, March 10 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including a cold $25 double.
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Owen Almighty
We know Owen Almighty has speed. But does he have the necessary stamina to win over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
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Aqueduct: How to bet the $27,406 Pick 6 carryover
The Sunday card at Aqueduct is highlighted by a non-jackpot carryover worth $27,406 in the $1 Pick 6.
Wagering
Tampa: Picks for the Super High 5 carryover, KDBC Qualifier
There are four great reasons to bet the Saturday card at Tampa Bay Downs.
Tournaments
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Piquant can win Turfway return
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, March 7 at Fair Grounds and Turfway Park, along with horses to play in carryovers at Fair Grounds and Santa Anita.
Fair Grounds