In this biweekly series, racing analyst J. Keeler Johnson takes us on a journey through his handicapping watch list. He shares details about runners that have recently piqued his interest and gives previews of those scheduled to run in the near future. Let's dive in and explore these promising steeds.

Uncover the Next Racing Stars with J. Keeler Johnson

Keewaydin: The Favorite in the Remsen

In the $250,000 Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct, Keewaydin stands as the 6-5 morning line favorite. This 1 1/8-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier holds significant points for the top five finishers. His credentials are truly remarkable. Keewaydin has faced tough competition right from the start. In his debut sprinting six furlongs at Saratoga, he finished just a neck behind next-out Champagne (G1) runner-up Tip Top Thomas while leaving future Street Sense (G3) winner Sovereignty three lengths behind. Then, in a seven-furlong maiden special weight at Aqueduct, he achieved a 1 3/4-length triumph, clocking his final three furlongs in a blistering 36.39 seconds. This impressive effort earned him a strong 91 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form, the highest in the Remsen field. If he can maintain this form over the longer 1 1/8 miles, he has a great chance of delivering a Remsen victory for the hot jockey/trainer duo of Dylan Davis and Chad Brown. According to Brisnet statistics, they have won at a 42 percent rate over the last two months.

Muhimma: The Unbeatable in the Demoiselle

In the $250,000 Demoiselle (G2) at Aqueduct, Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualification points are on the line. The 4-5 morning line favorite is the undefeated Muhimma. Hailing from the high-percentage barn of Brad Cox, Muhimma has yet to face a challenge in her two starts. In her debut dashing 6 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs, she showed impressive pace-pressing speed and won by 7 1/2 lengths over next-out maiden winner My Lil Punky. Then, in a seven-furlong $100,000 allowance optional claimer, she again demonstrated tactical speed and beat Pocahontas (G3) runner-up Liam by 5 1/2 lengths. During her allowance win, she seemed to be cruising down the homestretch, giving the impression that she still has more to offer. With this talent, she is confident of keeping her unbeaten record intact even as she steps up in class and distance for the Demoiselle.

Locked: The Potential One-Turn Wonder

The final graded stakes on the Saturday card at Aqueduct is the $500,000 Cigar Mile Handicap (G2), with an 11-horse field. Among the entrants are some notable names like Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile runner-up Post Time, Saudi Cup (G1) winner Senor Buscador, Forego (G1) winner and Breeders’ Cup Sprint third-place finisher Mullikin, and Woody Stephens (G1) conqueror Book’em Danno. But don't overlook Locked. As a 2-year-old last year, he showed promising form around two turns, winning the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile against a strong field. Despite his long-distance accomplishments, there is a chance he is even better around one turn. On Oct. 19, he made a remarkable comeback after nearly a year on the sidelines with a 7 1/2-length win in a seven-furlong $62,500 allowance optional claimer at Aqueduct. In this race, he showed pace-tracking speed (a departure from his previous stretch-running tactics), prevailing in a strong time of 1:21.02. With this comeback effort under his belt, he is eligible to move forward in the Cigar Mile, which is a one-turn mile race. If he does, watch out. I have long believed that Locked has top-tier talent, and I expect him to showcase it on Saturday.