Keepmeinmind to skip Belmont Stakes; Belmont Derby possible

Elmont, N.Y.

After finishing seventh in the Kentucky Derby and fourth in the Preakness Stakes, Keepmeinmind will not be sent to Saturday's Belmont Stakes.

Trainer Robertino Diodoro made the decision even after the Laoban colt delivered a 46.92-second bullet work from the gate Monday morning over four furlongs of slop at Belmont Park.

"The horse is doing great," Diodoro told Horse Racing Nation from Lone Star Park in Texas. "He worked quicker than we might have wanted him to, but he did it really easily. We decided, why push him? He's a big 3-year-old. We believe he'll get better with time."

Diodoro said he is leaning toward working Keepmeinmind on the turf next week with an eye on a possible start in the Belmont Derby Invitational (G1) on July 10.

"A couple riders who have been on him are keen about seeing him on the grass," Diodoro said. "He's got a big, long stride that could fit the Belmont Derby at a mile-and-a-quarter."

Owned by Cypress Creek Equine, Arnold Bennewith and Spendthrift Farm, Keepmeinmind is still only a maiden winner. That victory was in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) last fall at Churchill Downs, a month after his third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Keeneland.

This latest defection leaves nine possible starters for the Belmont, for which the field will be drawn Tuesday. Essential Quality is the betting favorite in international futures.

Diodoro has one horse preparing for Saturday's Belmont undercard. Looking for a third consecutive win, the 6-year-old gelding Lone Rock will be entered in the 1 1/2-mile Brooklyn Invitational (G2).