A hopeful for the Breeders' Cup next month at Keeneland, unbeaten Iowa star juvenile Tyler's Tribe delivered another tour-de-force performance Saturday when capturing the $100,000 Iowa Cradle Stakes for state-breds by 6 1/2 lengths in gate-to-wire fashion at Prairie Meadows.
With regular rider Kylee Jordan aboard, the Sharp Azteca gelding broke on top with C R Insta Gator in close pursuit but soon put the outcome out of question in the matter of a few powerful strides.
When Jordan let out the reins a notch, Tyler's Tribe pulled away, increasing his lead to five lengths as a half mile went in :44.81. He went two-wide into the stretch and drove clear for an easy win in 1:09.74 for the six furlongs on a fast track, keeping his record a perfect 5-for-5.
Trained by Timothy Martin, who co-owns the colt with Thomas D. Lepic, Tyler's Tribe increased his career bankroll $306,294 with the $60,000 winner's share of the Iowa Cradle purse. He has won his five career starts by a combined 59 3/4 lengths, racing exclusively at Prairie Meadows.
The race for second place was on as Big Luke rallied from last in the six-horse field and overtook Palace Guard, who was third by a nose.
The overwhelming favorite, Tyler's Tribe returned $2.10.
Bred by Clifton Farm and Derek Merkler, Tyler's Tribe is named for Lepic's grandson Tyler, who is fighting leukemia. Produced by the Mission Impazible mare Impazible Woman, he was a $30,000 purchase from Clifton Farm at the 2021 Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association Fall Mixed Sale.
Tyler's Tribe is possible for either the $2-million FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at 1 1/16 miles or $1-million Breeders' Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) at 5 ½ furlongs, both Nov. 4 at Keeneland.
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