In this biweekly series, we bring you the latest from racing analyst J. Keeler Johnson. He shares horses from his handicapping watch list, reviews recent runners and previews those set to run in the near future. Let's dive in and explore these talented steeds.

Uncover the Next Racing Stars with Our Handicapping Insights

Mahoning Valley, race 3

Perfect Shances faced a setback as she ended a long layoff with a fifth-place finish in a Mahoning Valley allowance, suffering her second straight defeat. This led to her being dropped from the watch list. It's a reminder that even the most promising horses can have off days.In this race, the competition was tough, and Perfect Shances struggled to find her rhythm. It's important for handicappers to keep an eye on these setbacks as they can provide valuable insights into a horse's current form.

Oaklawn, race 7

Is Calling Card a contender on the Road to the Kentucky Derby? When he starts as the probable favorite in a $125,000 allowance optional claimer at Oaklawn, we'll get a better idea.Calling Card showed potential in his first two turf starts but truly exploded when switched to dirt in a one-mile maiden special weight for New York-breds at Aqueduct. He crushed his rivals by 17 1/4 lengths, demonstrating his speed and ability.If he can replicate this kind of performance against a tougher non-state-restricted field at Oaklawn, a Kentucky Derby run could be on the horizon. It's exciting to watch a horse with this kind of potential develop.

Tampa Bay Downs, race 6

Nic’s Style has an impressive record, winning four of her five starts. Her lone defeat was a respectable runner-up finish in the Gallant Bloom (G2) against Grade 1 winner Ways and Means.All of her victories have been by at least 3 1/4 lengths, including her recent win in Aqueduct's seven-furlong Pumpkin Pie. Now, as the 4-5 morning-line favorite in the seven-furlong FTBOA City of Ocala Florida Sire at Tampa Bay Downs, she faces a stiff challenge from Beth’s Dream.Beth’s Dream finished second in the Princess Rooney (G3) to future Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Soul of an Angel. But Nic’s Style may appreciate heading back to Florida, where she won her first two starts by a wide margin. It will be interesting to see how she performs in this new setting.

Fair Grounds, race 3

Louisiana-bred standout Touchuponastar has an outstanding career record, winning 12 of his 18 starts. Three of his defeats were runner-up finishes in graded stakes, and it's been over 2 1/2 years since he last lost a race against Louisiana-breds.These stats suggest he'll be a tough opponent when he returns to the Louisiana-bred ranks in the Louisiana Champions Day Classic, a race he won in 2022 and 2023.Although he ran a bit below his best in his last race, finishing third in the Delta Mile, he was returning from a layoff and facing non-state-restricted competition. With that experience behind him, he's well-positioned to secure his third straight Louisiana Champions Day Classic title.

Los Alamitos, race 8

Gaming is clearly the horse to beat in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. He's the most accomplished horse to enter the race in years, having won the Del Mar Futurity (G1) and finishing second by 1 1/2 lengths in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.He's already beaten two of his four Los Alamitos Futurity rivals, and strong workouts since the Breeders’ Cup indicate he's ready to give a peak performance. With Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert at the helm, who has won the Los Alamitos Futurity a record 14 times, Gaming has a great chance of success.It will be an exciting race to watch as Gaming looks to continue his winning streak and make his mark on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.