Tyler's Tribe earns 86 Beyer Speed Figure in Prairie Gold Juvenile

Tyler’s Tribe put up one of this year’s top Beyer Speed Figures for a 2-year-old when he earned an 86 for a more than eight-length romp in Saturday night’s $100,000 Prairie Gold Juvenile at Prairie Meadows.

“That’s pretty big for a little Iowa-bred,” said Tim Martin, who co-owns and trains Tyler’s Tribe.

The number ranks third among 2-year-olds in North America, with filly Munnys Gold leading the charge with a 101 on June 17 at Monmouth Park and Gulfport next with a 91 on July 4 at Churchill Downs.

Tyler’s Tribe is now unbeaten in two starts, following a 16 3/4-length debut win over 4 1/2 furlongs June 20 at Prairie Meadows in a maiden special weight for Iowa-breds.

Tyler’s Tribe has led throughout both starts under apprentice Kylee Jordan.

“I liked him going in, from his first race, how easy he did it,” said Martin. “This horse is like a pony horse. He’s like an older horse, his mind. He’s so smart and laid back. He doesn’t get excited. He’s got a great mind and I think that helps a lot as a 2-year-old.”

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Martin said plans for Tyler’s Tribe are to be determined, but a long-term objective is the $100,000 Iowa Cradle on the Iowa Classic card Oct. 1 at Prairie Meadows.

“Right now, we’d just like to keep him here at Prairie Meadows [rather than ship],” Martin said. “It’s hot - 100 degrees. In the fall we might look at something pretty good for him if he stays good and healthy like he’s doing.”

Tyler’s Tribe is the first stakes winner for his sire, Sharp Azteca, according to the Three Chimneys Farm website.

Martin races Tyler’s Tribe with Thomas Lepic, who in a post-race interview broadcast by Prairie Meadows on Saturday said the horse is named for his grandson, who is battling leukemia.

Tyler is 8, and the tribe refers to his group of supporters. Many were in the winner’s circle after the race, wearing T-shirts that read “Tyler’s Tribe.”

Tyler was at the races, too, and has previously met Tyler’s Tribe.

“He comes to the barn and sees him,” Martin said. “Quite a few come with him, 10 to 15 [people.]”