Tepin works as decision on Breeders' Cup prep looms

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With a decision on her next start expected Sunday morning, Tepin was sent through her final pre-race work when breezing a half-mile in 49 seconds Friday morning on the Saratoga turf.

Tepin, winner of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Mile against males and a leading contender for 2016 Horse of the Year, will prep for a title defense in the Nov. 5 BC Mile by running in either the Shadwell Turf Mile or the First Lady, both Grade 1 one-mile turf events next Saturday at Keeneland.

Norm Casse, assistant trainer to his father, Mark, was on hand for the Friday breeze, which came with exercise rider E.J. Bowler aboard and over a firm course.

“I got her final quarter in 23 and change,” said Casse. “She’s really doing well.”

Tepin was scheduled to leave Saratoga on Saturday afternoon and arrive early Sunday at Churchill Downs. Mark Casse and owner Robert Masterson will reveal Sunday whether the 5-year-old mare will run against males in the $1 million Shadwell or in the $400,000 First Lady versus her own sex. Julien Leparoux will ride.

Tepin has won her last eight races, including all six this year. Her last two came in the Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, both against males. Last year, she won the First Lady by seven lengths before winning the BC Mile, both over the Keeneland turf.

◗ With Sunday being closing day of the Churchill meet, there will be the usual mandatory payouts in all wagers with carryover provisions, most notably the 20-cent Single-6 (races 5-10). Through Thursday, there have been no solo-ticket sweeps this meet of the Single-6, with the jackpot standing at $57,601 into Friday.