Tepin, Rachel's Valentina put in Breeders' Cup workouts

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A number of important works toward the Breeders’ Cup took place Friday at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, with Tepin and Rachel’s Valentina the biggest names on the work tabs.

Tepin, the standout turf filly who will take on males in the BC Mile, had her first work since her seven-length romp in the Oct. 3 First Lady when breezing a half-mile in 50 seconds under regular rider Julien Leparoux at Churchill. She was one of four early BC workers for trainer Mark Casse.

“She took off galloping out,” Casse said. “In company, she worked as fast as anybody, but we’re just trying to get her to relax.”

At Keeneland, the unbeaten Rachel’s Valentina was one of a handful of workers for trainer Todd Pletcher, going a half-mile in company in 49.10 seconds, according to Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Welsch. The daughter of Bernardini and Rachel Alexandra will be one of the favorites in the BC Juvenile Fillies.

“She’s very straightforward,” said Pletcher. “She was eager to get going. But I like the way she breezed and particularly liked the way she galloped out.”

:: BC Clocker: Watch Mike Welsch’s daily video report from Keeneland