Tepin looks to join elite Breeders’ Cup company

The Breeders’ Cup has been around since 1984. In the first 32 editions, many of the world’s top horses have added to their impressive resumes by winning at the World Championships. Of course, some winners of the Breeders’ Cup have been more of the one-hit wonder variety. Only the best of the best, though, have distinguished themselves by winning at the season ending event more than once. In 2016, several competitors will have the opportunity to add their name to the elite list. Among them is Tepin. We all remember her fantastic win under Julien Leparoux in the Breeders’ Cup Mile over a quality international field at Keeneland last Halloween.

As part of an eight-race winning streak, accomplished in three different countries, it was an integral component in proving that the daughter of Bernstein is one of the world’s best turf horses. Her first loss in more than a year came in her most recent race, when she finished second in the Grade 1 First Lady. Considering the loose lead given to the winner, Photo Call, the runner-up result in her BC prep should not have Tepin fans too worried about her ability to run big at Santa Anita on November 5. Still, this year’s overflowing Mile field is stacked with talent.

As it should be, a repeat in the Breeders’ Cup will be anything but easy. Then again, Tepin is no average mare. If she can come through, and score a popular victory next Saturday for owner Robert Masterson and trainer Mark Casse, she will join an exclusive club, in which only the best of the best belong. Take a look …

Only 12 horses have won the same Breeders' Cup race two years in a row:

-Bayakoa won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in 1989 and 1990.

-Conduit won the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2008 and 2009.

-Goldencents won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in 2013 and 2014.

-Groupie Doll won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in 2012 and 2013.

-High Chaparral won the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2002 and 2003.

-Lure won the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 1992, 1993.

-Midnight Lute won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in 2007 & 2008.

-Miesque won the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 1987 and 1988.

-Mizdirection won the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in 2012 and 2013.

-Royal Delta won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in 2011 and 2012.

-Tiznow won the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2000 and 2001.

-Wise Dan won the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 2012 and 2013.

There have also been two horses to win the same Breeders' Cup race in non-consecutive years:

-Ouija Board won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf in 2004 and 2006.

-Da Hoss won the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 1996 and 1998.

Four horses hold the distinction of having won two different Breeders' Cup races:

-Beholder won the Juvenile Fillies in 2012 and the Distaff in 2013.

-Secret Circle won the since discontinued Juvenile Sprint in 2011 and the Sprint in 2013.

-Stephanie's Kitten won the Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2011 and the Filly and Mare Turf in 2015.

-Zenyatta won the Distaff in 2008 and the Classic in 2009.

Last, but certainly not least, only one special horse won the same Breeders' Cup race three times:

-Goldikova did it in the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 2008, 2009 and 2010.