Tyler's Tribe romps in Prairie Meadows Freshman

Tyler’s Tribe ran his record to 4 for 4 on Saturday night when he barreled home by 15 1/2 lengths in the $100,000 Prairie Meadows Freshman.

In the process, he made new memories on the anniversary of some heartbreaking news.

Tyler’s Tribe is named for the grandson of one of his owners, Thomas Lepic.

“It was two years ago today that Tyler was diagnosed with leukemia,” Lepic said of his grandson in a post-race interview broadcast by Prairie Meadows. “He’s doing great [now]. He’s beating the battle.”

Tyler was standing right alongside his grandfather as Lepic also made the announcement that plans are to target the Breeders’ Cup with Tyler’s Tribe. Lepic said the horse would be ridden by Kylee Jordan, the apprentice who has been aboard the horse for all of his starts.

“He just floats across the ground,” said Jordan, who is the current leading rider at Prairie Meadows.

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Tim Martin, who co-owns and trains Tyler’s Tribe, said earlier this month that the Breeders’ Cup was being discussed. He said at the time that if the horse were to advance to the championship series, the probable target would be the Juvenile Turf Sprint, with the other option the Juvenile Turf.

Tyler’s Tribe ($2.10) broke on top - but outward - in the Freshman, which was scratched down to a field of four. He started from the outside post and was in command of the race by the opening quarter of 21.86 seconds. Tyler’s Tribe increased his advantage through a half-mile in 44.33 seconds, before covering six furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.63.

Runtoday finished second, 13 1/2 lengths clear of third-place finisher Echo Canyon.

Tyler’s Tribe is an Iowa-bred who has raced exclusively at Prairie Meadows. He was a 16 3/4-length debut winner June 20. Following the maiden special weight score, Tyler’s Tribe rolled by 8 1/2 lengths in the Prairie Gold Juvenile on July 9. He then romped by 12 1/2 lengths in the Iowa Stallion Stakes on July 30. In the process, he’s earned some of his division’s highest Beyer Speed Figures.

Tyler’s Tribe is a son of Sharp Azteca. He has now earned $261,094.

Martin has said a long-range target for Tyler’s Tribe is the $100,000 Iowa Cradle, which is part of the Iowa Classics card Oct. 1 at Prairie Meadows.

The horse has remained home thus far in his campaign as Martin has said he does not want to ship the young runner in the heat. He also has noted the local connection with young Tyler. Following each of his victories, Tyler’s Tribe has been greeted in a packed winner’s circle by Tyler and his “tribe” of family and friends.

The Breeders’ Cup is in November at Keeneland.