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 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 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

River Thames wins at Gulfstream.

River Thames wins at Gulfstream. (Photo by Coglianese Photos / Credit to Ryan Thompson)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: River Thames

Sun Apr 13 2025J. Keeler Johnson

A review of River Thames' pedigree suggests stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1) could be a question mark.

Triple Crown

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

Picks: Keeneland’s Grade One Gamble tournament, Mahoning’s $23,027 Pick 6 mandatory payout

Sat Apr 12 2025J. Keeler Johnson

A mandatory-payout Pick 6 carryover at Mahoning Valley and a lucrative tournament at Keeneland are among the best betting options to pursue on Saturday.

Tournaments

Publisher galloping at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media/Renee Torbit)

Publisher galloping at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Media/Renee Torbit)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Publisher

Fri Apr 11 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Although Publisher has yet to win a race, he qualified for the Kentucky Derby (G1) via a runner-up finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and aims to become the first maiden to win the Kentucky Derby since 1933.

Triple Crown

Chunk of Gold wins at Turfway Park.

Chunk of Gold wins at Turfway Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chunk of Gold

Fri Apr 11 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Homestretch rallies carried Chunk of Gold to runner-up finishes in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, earning the gray colt a spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) starting gate.

Triple Crown

Racing in the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

How weather conditions affect horse racing: rain, wind, and extreme temperatures

Fri Apr 11 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Horse racing isn’t an indoor sport. Competition takes place at outdoor racetracks that are, unsurprisingly, at the mercy of weather conditions.

Education

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s $211,734 Pick 6 carryover

Fri Apr 11 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 11 at Keeneland, including horses to play in the $211,734 Pick 6 carryover.

Best Bets

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Five-figure Keeneland carryovers

Thu Apr 10 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 10 at Keeneland, including a 5-1 shot to emphasize in lucrative Pick 6 and Super High 5 carryovers.

Best Bets

Keeneland (Photo courtesy of Keeneland)

Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s $32,121 Super High 5 carryover

Wed Apr 09 2025J. Keeler Johnson

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 9 at Keeneland, including horses to play in the $32,121 Super High 5 carryover.

Best Bets

The field turns for home in the 2024 Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Dom Napolitano)

The field turns for home in the 2024 Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Dom Napolitano)

Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Wood Memorial?

Wed Apr 09 2025J. Keeler Johnson

The productivity of the Wood Memorial (G2) as a Kentucky Derby (G1) prep race has always been cyclical, rising, falling, and rising again across decades.

Triple Crown