Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Keepmeinmind

With his accomplished racing record and classics-oriented pedigree, Keepmeinmind is making sure horsemen and horseplayers alike keep him in mind as a contender for the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

Granted, Keepmeinmind has faltered in two starts this season, finishing sixth in the Rebel (G2) and fifth in the Blue Grass (G2). But his form last fall was strong—in fact, Keepmeinmind demonstrated a clear affinity for Churchill Downs when rallying to victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) racing 1 1/16 miles. And if his bloodlines are any indication, racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May is well within reach for the talented bay colt.

Keepmeinmind hails from the first crop of foals sired by Laoban, a competitor in the 2016 Preakness (G1) and later victorious in the 1 1/8-mile Jim Dandy (G2). While Laoban wasn’t quite Grade 1-caliber, finishing out of the trifecta in his three runs at the highest level, he’s exceeding all expectations at stud. In addition to Keepmeinmind, the young stallion is responsible for Alcibiades (G1) winner Simply Ravishing, Maid of the Mist S. winner Laobanonaprayer, and Fantasy (G3) runner-up Ava's Grace, all classy stakes performers running one mile or farther.

The fact Laoban is passing on stamina should come as no surprise. He’s a son of champion 2-year-old Uncle Mo, an emerging source of two-turn stamina already renowned as the sire of 2016 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Nyquist. In addition, Laoban’s third dam Bedroom Chatter counts 1 1/4-mile Delaware H. (G1) winner I’m a Chatterbox among her descendants.

The bottom half of Keepmeinmind’s pedigree is similarly encouraging. Although he’s the first stakes winner foaled from the unraced mare Inclination, several of his half-siblings have won running one mile or farther.

Inclination herself is a daughter of Victory Gallop, winner of the 1998 Belmont Stakes (G1) racing 1 1/2 miles and later the champion older male of 1999. Victory Gallop actually placed in all three legs of the Triple Crown and has passed on stamina at stud, with his foals winning at a solid average distance of 7.6 furlongs. His most successful runners include long-winded Jamaica H. (G1) winner Prince Will I Am, Belmont third-place finisher Anak Nakal, and 1 1/16-mile Norfolk (G1) winner Jaycito.

As a broodmare sire, Victory Gallop is responsible for all types of runners, with his daughters foaling sprinters and routers alike. The speedy 1 1/4-mile Dubai World Cup (G1) third-place finisher Neolithic and the 1 1/2-mile Wonder Where S. winner Ami’s Holiday are two of the stouter examples, though a more recent name of note is Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) winner Travel Column, one of the favorites for the 2021 Kentucky Oaks.

Blending the speed of Laoban with the stamina of Victory Gallop has the potential to produce a genuine classics contender, so count out Keepmeinmind at your own risk.