In this insightful review, racing analyst J. Keeler Johnson highlights several promising horses from his handicapping watch list. The analysis covers recent performances and previews upcoming races, providing valuable insights into the potential outcomes. Kale’s Angel, Skinner, Disco Time, and Calling Card are among the notable contenders discussed. Each horse brings unique strengths to their respective races, making them key players to watch in the coming weeks. Johnson's expert analysis delves into past performances, distance adjustments, and jockey strategies, offering a comprehensive overview of these equine athletes.

Kale’s Angel is set to make a significant return in the Renaissance Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Following a third-place finish in the Smarty Jones two weeks ago, the horse is now gearing up for a shorter six-furlong race. This change in distance could be advantageous for Kale’s Angel, as evidenced by his impressive 5 3/4-length victory in a previous 5 1/2-furlong race, where he earned a commendable 97 Brisnet speed rating. The short rest period between races should not pose an issue, given the relatively easy pace of the Smarty Jones. As the 3-5 morning-line favorite, Kale’s Angel is expected to secure another win.

Meanwhile, Skinner is making a strong comeback after a narrow defeat in the Santa Anita Derby earlier this year. Recently, he secured his first stakes victory in the Native Diver (G3) at Del Mar. Skinner now aims for a second stakes win in the Louisiana (G3), a 1 1/16-mile race with a competitive field. His affinity for the Fair Grounds main track, demonstrated by a bullet half-mile breeze on New Year’s Eve, bodes well for his performance. Under the guidance of leading jockey Jose Ortiz, Skinner is poised to deliver a powerful finish.

The Lecomte (G3) will feature two promising horses from Johnson's watch list: Disco Time and Calling Card. Disco Time, trained by Brad Cox, has maintained an unbeaten record with wins at Churchill Downs. His consistent performances have earned him respectable Brisnet Speed ratings of 87 and 92, positioning him as one of the fastest entrants. Calling Card, on the other hand, showed remarkable improvement when switching from turf to dirt, winning by a staggering 17 1/4 lengths with a 93 Brisnet speed rating. Although he faltered slightly in his last race, a quicker pace in the Lecomte could see Calling Card bounce back under jockey Frankie Dettori.

To date, horses on Johnson's watch list have participated in nine starts, securing two wins, three seconds, and two thirds, achieving a 22% win rate and a 78% in-the-money rate. With such a strong track record, these horses continue to demonstrate their potential for success. As they prepare for their upcoming races, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how these promising contenders perform on the big stage.