By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Get ready, everyone! February 7th promises to be the best day of racing thus far in the young year, with the schedule of nine graded stakes races being highlighted by...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") During the last ten days, we have had the good fortune to witness two highly impressive performances from a pair of up-and-coming Kentucky Derby contenders, Khozan and...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") On February 1st, one of the most exciting races of the weekend will be held at Santa Anita Park, that being the $200,000 San Vicente Stakes (gr. II) . The seven-furlong...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Although it is not an official Kentucky Derby prep race, and thus will not offer Kentucky Derby qualification points to the top four finishers, the $250,000 Sam F. Davis...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") At this time of year, it is rare to feel very confident in the chances of any given three-year-old in a Kentucky Derby prep race. Because it can be so difficult to predict...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") On Monday, the Road to the Kentucky Derby continues at Oaklawn Park with the running of the $150,000 Smarty Jones Stakes. The one-mile race has drawn a field of nine...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") The $200,000 LeComte Stakes (gr. III) on January 17th at Fair Grounds poses an interesting handicapping question—what do you do with Eagle , the likely favorite, now...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Along the road to the Kentucky Derby, it sometimes becomes clear that the top three-year-olds in a particular region of the country are clearly superior to their rivals...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Dirt! Turf! Fillies! Colts! Three-year-olds! Older horses! No matter what kind of racing you prefer, there should be something for everyone on the second Saturday of...
Read More
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") In the quiet month of January—the only month in American horse racing that does not feature at least one grade I race!—it’s natural to pay special attention to the early...
Read More
