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By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman When handicapping races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, it's always tempting to think outside the box and look for up-and-comers with a chance to develop into something special. Who doesn't want to be among the first to identify a future Triple Crown winner? But there are some ...

Standings Betty……………………………………… 2298Secretariat…………………….………….2194Van Horn……………….…………….…..1978Latenite……………………….…………..1974Anglachel…………………..…………….1970Eric Rickard……………..……………….1794Shelmarka………………..……………..1728SR Vegas……………….……………....1665Kathy Weightman……..........……….....1654Smitty 37……………..………………..…1614Discopartner…….......……………….. ..1602Professor ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman January is underway, and you know the 2020 Kentucky Derby winner is out there, somewhere. Maybe he's already won a graded stakes race, like recent Derby winners American Pharoah (2015) and Nyquist (2016). Maybe he's won a race or two against easier company, like Orb (2013) or ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman Happy New Year! The year has barely begun, but the Road to the Kentucky Derby is already off to a fast start. On New Year's Day, Independence Hall overcame a sluggish start to win the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, and on Saturday, a few other promising colts will endeavor to join the ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman Better late than never, the Santa Anita winter meet will open for business with a stakes-packed card on Saturday, December 28. The traditional December 26 opening was postponed due to rain in the forecast, but hey, that just gives bettors a little more time for ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman It certainly wouldn't be difficult for me to explain why Saturday's $100,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park is a two-horse race between established stars #2 Imperial Hint and #3 X Y Jet. Quite simply, these two talented speedsters are by far the most accomplished ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman It seems safe to say the $400,000 Remington Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington Park is one of the fastest-growing races in North America. Just 15 years ago, the one-mile race (then known as the Remington MEC Mile) was worth a mere $75,000. But a date change and steady ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman The Road to the Kentucky Derby will take a couple of sharp turns on Saturday, December 7 when Aqueduct and Los Alamitos host the $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) and $250,000 Remsen Stakes (G2). Both races offer Kentucky Derby qualification points, and both can boast impressive ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman Friday's renewal of the $600,000 Clark Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs might not be the strongest in recent memory, but the dozen runners set to contest the 1 1/8-mile race figure to put on a competitive and exciting show. From a Beyer speed figure perspective, the horse to beat is ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman On this quiet weekend of racing in North America, we'll turn our attention internationally to focus on the November 24 Japan Cup (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse in Japan, unquestionably the most prestigious race taking place anywhere in the world this week. With a purse in excess ...