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...
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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...
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In the world of commerce, nothing could be more colorful and fascinating than an auction of Thoroughbred horses. For instance, at Keeneland in Lexington each fall for almost two weeks, around 4,000 horses...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Many years ago I established a successful Thoroughbred training farm in Southwest Georgia. It was truly a triumph of energy and enthusiasm over stupidity and bad judgment. When energy and enthusiasm began...
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By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Happy New Year, everyone! There is definitely a bit of sadness in bidding farewell to 2014, as it was a wonderful year with some of the very best racing in recent memory...
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