The Mark Casse barn sent out two favorites in Grade I stakes Saturday at Keeneland, with 2-year-old Classic Empire (Pioneerof the Nile) delivering with a convincing score in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity and champion Tepin (Bernstein) finishing second, beaten 2 3/4 lengths, behind wire-to-wire upsetter Photo Call (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the GI First Lady S. Despite the different results, both runners emerged from their races in good order and are likely California-bound for the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 5, Team Casse confirmed Sunday.
Classic Empire was “tired but good” Sunday morning, according to David Carroll, assistant to Casse at Keeneland. The bay will join Casse's Churchill Downs string to begin preparations for the GI Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Meanwhile, Tepin will also use Churchill as a base to train up to the GI Breeders' Cup Mile.
“She's doing great this morning,” said Norman Casse, assistant to his father trainer Mark Casse. “We will probably do as we have always done and ship in as late as possible.”
Tepin was defeated for the first time in her past nine starts Saturday, unable to close the gap on Photo Call, who had a 10-length lead at the six-furlong marker. Tepin parlayed a win in last year's First Lady into a victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
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