Tepin looks likely to make 2017 debut in Tampa Bay's Endeavor

Two-time divisional champion Tepin took a major step toward her 6-year-old debut Wednesday when she breezed five furlongs in 59.80 seconds with regular rider Julien Leparoux aboard at her Palm Meadows base.

Trainer Mark Casse said afterward that the work impressed him to such a degree that Tepin is almost sure to run in the Grade 3 Endeavour Stakes on Feb. 11 at Tampa Bay Downs.

“She’ll breeze back Monday,” said Casse. “We weren’t completely committed to the Endeavour because, let’s face it, we’re in no rush, and there’s nothing saying we have to do anything with her. We won’t have a final decision until after she works Monday, but I will say she looked so good this morning that her chances of going over to Tampa have increased substantially.”

Casse reiterated that a good effort in the Endeavour could lead to a berth in the $6 million Dubai Turf on the March 25 Dubai World Cup undercard.

Owned by Robert Masterson, Tepin has won 13 of 23 career starts and earned more than $4.4 million. She now has had three breezes at Palm Meadows since getting a short break following her runner-up finish behind Tourist in the Nov. 5 Breeders’ Cup Mile.