Keepmeinmind will get time off, come back next year

Keepmeinmind, scratched from Saturday's Pennsylvania Derby (G1) because of a foot abscess, will take time off and return to racing next year.

Trainer Robertino Diodoro told Horse Racing Nation Wednesday that the 3-year-old Laoban colt "is doing good. He just has that abscess and we're still working with that, so we're going to give him a little bit of time right now."

Diodoro estimated that Keepmeinmind would be off for 45 to 60 days and that he would be "ready for January."

He said the connections have not decided on a race to target, but he expects the colt to return at "either Oaklawn or the Fair Grounds, but most likely Oaklawn."

Keepmeinmind earned his diploma in last year's Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) after finishing second in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) and third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile while still a maiden.

This season he was winless in seven starts, all in graded stakes including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. 

Most recently, Keepmeinmind was runner-up to Essential Quality in the Jim Dandy (G2) and then fourth behind that rival in the Aug. 28 Travers (G1). Keepmeinmind's biggest nemesis has proven to be Essential Quality; the champion and classic winner has beat him five times in two seasons of racing.