In this biweekly series, racing analyst J. Keeler Johnson provides insights into promising equine athletes from his watch list. This week, he highlights several horses that have recently caught his attention and previews upcoming races where they are expected to perform. From Gulfstream Park to Fair Grounds and Sunland Park, these thoroughbreds showcase remarkable potential and promise thrilling performances. The analysis covers a range of events, including allowance races and graded stakes, with a focus on the horses' recent form and future prospects.

At Gulfstream Park, all eyes will be on Knightsbridge as he makes his 4-year-old debut in a $62,500 allowance optional claimer over one mile. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Knightsbridge has demonstrated exceptional talent in just three starts. His maiden special weight victory at Churchill Downs last November saw him dominate by over ten lengths. Following this, he secured another impressive win at Gulfstream in March, finishing nine lengths ahead of the field. Although his most recent outing in October resulted in a third-place finish, Knightsbridge has been preparing diligently for his return. With sharp workouts under his belt, he is poised to deliver a formidable performance, potentially signaling his readiness for higher-level competition.

Moving to Fair Grounds, the horse named Hall of Fame has been making waves since returning from a long layoff in December. After a stellar performance at Churchill Downs, where he clocked an impressive time in a one-mile allowance race, Hall of Fame continued his winning streak at Fair Grounds. He now faces a tougher challenge in the Mineshaft (G3), a 1 1/16-mile event. Despite stiff competition, including the 2024 Louisiana Derby winner Catching Freedom, Hall of Fame's rapid improvement and strong form make him a serious contender. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Jose Ortiz, this duo has proven formidable in recent outings.

Another standout filly, Good Cheer, enters her 3-year-old campaign with high expectations. Having won all four of her races last year by significant margins, Good Cheer has established herself as a dominant force. Her victories at Churchill Downs, including the Rags to Riches and Golden Rod (G2), set the stage for her debut in the Rachel Alexandra (G2). Under the guidance of trainer Brad Cox, who has a successful history with this race, Good Cheer is widely anticipated to continue her winning ways. Her undefeated record and consistent performances make her the filly to beat in this edition.

The Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds presents a different kind of intrigue with East Avenue. Known for his dramatic performances, East Avenue alternated between dominating the Breeders' Futurity (G1) and struggling in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. After a 3 1/2-month break, he returns to action with fast workouts suggesting he may be ready for a big effort. The key question remains: which version of East Avenue will show up? Regardless, his presence adds excitement to the race, offering fans a chance to see if he can solidify his place among top Kentucky Derby contenders.

Sunday's races also offer notable entries. At Gulfstream Park, Victory Avenue makes his second start after more than a year off. Despite finishing second in his debut, Victory Avenue earned a respectable Beyer Speed Figure. Trainer Gustavo Delgado, known for his Kentucky Derby-winning pedigree, has prepared Victory Avenue well, giving him multiple workouts since December. Meanwhile, at Sunland Park, Bob Baffert's Maysam aims to add to the trainer's record-breaking eight wins in the Sunland Park Oaks. Maysam's debut victory at Santa Anita showcased her potential, and with only a handful of rivals, she looks set to secure another win.

The horses featured in this week's watch list continue to impress with their performances. In 2025 alone, horses on Johnson's radar have made 34 starts, achieving 12 wins, 8 seconds, and 5 thirds, boasting a commendable 35% win rate and a robust 74% in-the-money rate. These statistics underscore the quality and potential of the horses being tracked, setting the stage for even more exciting developments in the coming weeks.