Laoban’s first Kentucky Derby (G1) starter draws post 4

Keepmeinmind will try to give his sire Laoban his first Kentucky Derby (G1) winner in Saturday’s $3 million Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.

Keepemeinmind drew post four in the field of 20 3-year-olds and will be ridden by David Cohen, who has been aboard for five of the colt’s six starts.

“I’m very happy with it,” said trainer Robertino Diordoro of the post position.

Keepmeinmind, who is owned by Cypress Creek Equine, Spendthrift Farm and Arnold Bennewith, ran arguably his best race to date at Churchill Downs when he won the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) on Nov. 28. His excellent 2-year-old form also includes a second in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), both at Keeneland.

In his most recent work, April 23rd at Churchill, Keepmeinmind fired a bullet four furlongs in :46 1/5, the fastest of more than 100 timed works at the distance that day.

Laoban, who will be represented by Ava’s Grace in Friday’s Kentucky Oaks (G1), was the No. 2 First-Crop sire of 2020 and is currently in the top 5 on the Second-Crop Sire list with more than $1.5 million in progeny earnings.

The Derby is race 12 at 6:57 p.m. ET and can be seen live on NBC-TV.