Breeders’ Cup: Undefeated Tyler’s Tribe gears up on turf

Tom Lepic and trainer Tim Martin’s undefeated Tyler’s Tribe was introduced to the Keeneland turf course Saturday morning, working 3 furlongs in 39.8 seconds with jockey Kylee Jordan aboard.

“I’d say we stick with the plan,” Martin said after the work.

And the plan is?

“The 5 1/2 on the turf,” Martin said of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, his choice for Tyler’s Tribe instead of the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile going 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. Both races are Nov. 4. (Click here for more on Martin and Tyler's Tribe.)

“Kylee was comfortable with him out there,” Martin continued. “I was a little concerned when he bobbled a bit, but he was trying to jump the cones (on the course that were set up near the outer rail). Maybe he has a future as a jumper.”

The time of the work did not concern Martin.

“He always works in :38 or :39,” Martin said. “If he gets with another horse, he’ll work a bullet. I know he is a fast horse and I know he can run.”

Tyler’s Tribe, who has won his five starts by a combined 59 3/4 lengths, will do the majority of his training up to the Breeders’ Cup on the main track with another 3-furlong breeze on the turf scheduled for Oct. 29.