Tyler's Tribe brings big Beyers to Prairie Meadows Freshman

Tyler’s Tribe, who is set to run Saturday night in the $100,000 Freshman at Prairie Meadows, has been one of the best stories to emerge during the current meet.

The undefeated 2-year-old owns two of the division’s top six Beyer Speed Figures.

He’s an Iowa-bred for the hot young stallion Sharp Azteca.

He’s ridden by apprentice sensation Kylee Jordan.

And he runs his heart out for Tyler.

Tyler is the young grandson of co-owner Thomas Lepic. He’s been battling leukemia, but Tyler’s Tribe has been erasing those thoughts every time he goes to post at Prairie Meadows.

“I can’t come up with the words to describe it,” said Tim Martin, co-owner and trainer of Tyler’s Tribe. “There’s little Tyler. And Kylee – I’ve known her family a long time. I don’t know. It’s overwhelming. We knew he was a good horse from the start. He’s just exceeded our expectations.”

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Tyler’s Tribe has put on a show in each of his races – and after them he’s been greeted in the winner’s circle by Tyler and his “tribe” of family and friends.

Tyler’s Tribe was a 16 3/4-length debut winner June 20. Following the maiden special weight score, he rolled by 8 1/2 lengths in the Prairie Gold Juvenile on July 9. Tyler’s Tribe then romped by 12 1/2 lengths in the Iowa Stallion Futurity on July 30. The Beyer of 90 that he earned ranks as the fourth highest among all 2-year-old colts and geldings in North America.

“His three races have been great, and I’m looking forward to this next race,” Martin said. “The horse, he’s filled out a little more, trained a little better. He just seems like he’s more into it. I’m anxious for Saturday night because he is training really good.”

Tyler’s Tribe has broken from the rail in each of his last two starts, but will be outside all of his rivals from post 6 on Saturday.

“I like the post,” Martin said. “He can kind of settle on the outside.”

Tyler’s Tribe won his debut from post 10. He tends to break on top in his races.

“He’s a really good gate horse,” Martin said. “He stood both races on the inside – stood there and broke sharp. When the doors opened, he left running. He’s pretty fast out of the gate.”

Tyler’s Tribe is back in open company after winning a sire-restricted stakes last out at Prairie Meadows. His rivals include Dixiemagic, a 10 3/4-length debut winner last out at Prairie Meadows who will break from the rail Saturday. Others set to start include Succession, who was third in the Iowa Stallion Futurity.

Mister Sharpie, a five-length debut winner at Louisiana Downs by Sharp Azteca, will be scratched, trainer Justin Jeansonne said. The defection will make for a field of five Saturday.