Tepin, Danzig Moon's workmate, upsets Distaff Turf Mile on 2015 Kentucky Derby Day

Trainer Mark Casse and jockey Julien Leparoux, who will team up with Danzig Moon in the Kentucky Derby (G1), hope that Tepin's upset victory in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) is a harbinger for the main event.

The link is more than their human connections, for Tepin had worked in company with Danzig Moon when the duo scorched five furlongs in a bullet :58 on Churchill's main track April 18.

Despite her strong work pattern on dirt, however, Tepin had something to prove at this level on the grass, against the likes of defending champion Coffee Clique as well as classy European imports Lady Lara and Sandiva. But the 9-1 chance had the answers.

Securing the early lead, Tepin posted steady splits of :24, :48 and 1:11 3/5 and spurted away. Coffee Clique couldn't peg her back and settled for second, with Sandiva further back in third. Lady Lara lacked her usual punch in fourth.

Tepin, who clocked 1:34 on the firm turf, paid $20.20. Her previous stakes victory had come on dirt as juvenile in the Delta Downs Princess (G3), and she is a Bernstein half-sister to multiple Grade 2 winner Vyjack.