Iowa juvenile flash Tyler's Tribe will prep for Breeders' Cup at home track

Tyler’s Tribe, who owns three of the top Beyer Speed Figures among 2-year-olds in 2022, will have his final prep for the Breeders’ Cup at his home track of Prairie Meadows, trainer Tim Martin said Tuesday.

Tyler’s Tribe is being pointed for the $100,000 Iowa Cradle, a six-furlong race for colts and geldings bred in Iowa. It is part of the Iowa Classics card Oct. 1.

From there, the goal is the Grade 1, $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint at 5 1/2 furlongs Nov. 4 at Keeneland. Martin said since Tyler’s Tribe has sprinted to this point in his career, he would like to keep him at one turn for the Breeders’ Cup.

“He’s fast, all speed,” said Martin, who co-owns Tyler’s Tribe. “We would be taking our best shot going in a race like that. I realize we’re experimenting going to turf. I know he can sprint.”

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Martin noted that Sharp Azteca, the sire of Tyler’s Tribe, had an impressive 2-year-old stakes winner on turf at Monmouth Park in Sharp Aza Tack. The horse won the Tyro Stakes.

Tyler’s Tribe is out of the mare Impazible Woman, who ran second, third, and fourth in a trio of maiden races on the grass in New York. Sharp Azteca was a top-class miler, earning $2.4 million.

Martin said an outside BC option for Tyler’s Tribe would be the Grade 1, $1 million BC Juvenile Turf, a mile race on the same card as the Juvenile Turf Sprint.

The horse has not started in any Breeders’ Cup Challenge races, with all of his starts coming at Prairie Meadows. Martin has elected not to ship the horse in the triple-digit heat this summer, and also noted he has local ties as co-owner Thomas Lepic named Tyler’s Tribe for his grandson, who is battling leukemia. Tyler and his “tribe” of family and friends regularly come to Prairie Meadows to watch Tyler’s Tribe.

Tyler’s Tribe was in action Saturday night and ran his record to 4 for 4 when he defeated open company in the $100,000 Prairie Meadows Freshman. The Beyer of 94 that he earned is tied for second highest among all 2-year-olds. Tyler’s Tribe also owns a Beyer of 90 and 86, also ranking among the top 10.

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Tyler’s Tribe won the Freshman by 15 1/2 lengths under regular rider Kylee Jordan, who will have the mount in the Breeders’ Cup, Lepic said in a post-race interview broadcast by Prairie Meadows. Tyler’s Tribe emerged from the race in excellent condition, Martin said Tuesday.

“He came back really, really good,” Martin said.

“It’s been a pretty good little run for everybody here at home. The horse has been exceptional.”