LIFESTYLE

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.

A great fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. Johnson writes for the Bloodhorse.com blog Unlocking Winners and is the founder of the horse racing website www.theturfboard.com.

379 Stories
379 Stories

all stories by J.

Betting a Front-Runner in Smarty Jones Stakes

Betting a Front-Runner in Smarty Jones Stakes

It’s hard to believe 17 years have passed since an unheralded Pennsylvania-bred racehorse named Smarty Jones rose to prominence at Oaklawn Park, winning the Southwest Stakes, Rebel Stakes, and...
Gambling Posted January 18th, 2021 ·
Charles Kurtsinger, the Flying Dutchman

Charles Kurtsinger, the Flying Dutchman

Compared with some, the career of jockey Charles “Charley” Kurtsinger didn’t last all that long. Modern-day superstar jockey Mike Smith took out his jockey's license in 1982 and continues to...
Legends Posted January 16th, 2021 ·
King Ranch: A Classic Racing Legacy

King Ranch: A Classic Racing Legacy

For most people, the name King Ranch brings to mind images of a sprawling western ranch filled with cattle and cowboys. But for fans of Thoroughbred racing, King Ranch brings to mind a different...
Legends Posted January 8th, 2021 ·
‘Eclipses’ an Important Part of Racing History

‘Eclipses’ an Important Part of Racing History

More than 250 years ago, a total solar eclipse swept across Great Britain. It was on that day — April 1, 1764 — and during the eclipse itself that a horse was born at Cranbourne Lodge. Arriving as...
Legends Posted January 2nd, 2021 ·
Betting for an Upset in the Los Alamitos Futurity

Betting for an Upset in the Los Alamitos Futurity

It’s safe to say no trainer has enjoyed more success in the $200,000, Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity than Bob Baffert. Indeed, it’s rare to see any trainer dominate a single graded stakes to such an...
Gambling Posted December 17th, 2020 ·
Lost in the Fog: The Courageous Sprinter

Lost in the Fog: The Courageous Sprinter

He came, like the fog in Carl Sandburg’s famous poem, silently. For a time he lingered, just long enough for his presence to be acknowledged. And then, like the fog, he moved on, all too soon,...
Legends Posted December 6th, 2020 ·
Betting a Proven Track and Distance Runner in Remsen

Betting a Proven Track and Distance Runner in Remsen

It isn’t often that 2-year-old Thoroughbreds are asked to negotiate 1 1/8 miles. The testing distance is considered to be the upper limit for young runners in North America, which is why Saturday’s...
Gambling Posted December 3rd, 2020 ·
Betting a Major Longshot in the Clark Stakes

Betting a Major Longshot in the Clark Stakes

Starting on Thanksgiving Day and continuing through Sunday, a bevy of graded stakes races are slated to take place at racetracks throughout the United States. Falling three weeks after the Breeders...
Gambling Posted November 24th, 2020 ·

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