Casse Edges Closer to Preakness Confirmation for Silent Tactic
Mark Casse continues his cautious approach toward confirming Silent Tactic for the Preakness Stakes, though momentum builds daily toward a positive decision with Irad Ortiz Jr. secured for the mount.
“I wouldn’t say 100%, but yeah,” the Hall of Fame trainer stated Saturday morning. “We’re a lot closer today than yesterday. And yesterday we were a lot closer than the day before.”
The lingering concern centers on Silent Tactic’s bruised right foot—a condition Casse likens to a separated fingernail that proves more irritating than debilitating. Despite the issue, the $500,000 Tacitus colt completed a half-mile breeze at Churchill Downs on Friday in :48.4.
Equipment Decisions
Speaking by phone from his Ocala, Florida base, Casse revealed his training approach while emphasizing race-day modifications. “Right now I’ve been training him in a padded shoe, but I’m not going to run him in that shoe. I’m not going to run him with a pad over it and compromise his effort.”
The John Oxley-owned colt has shown no distress in recent training sessions, prompting plans for Tuesday afternoon departure from Kentucky with Wednesday morning arrival at Laurel Park.
Chronic Management
Casse, who captured the 2019 Preakness with War of Will, acknowledged the ongoing nature of the condition. “We deal with it on a constant basis. You never know with it. It’s nothing big. It’s just you don’t want to run in these races unless you’re 100% comfortable. It’s one of those things that can flare up with no notice.”
The foot issue forced Silent Tactic’s Kentucky Derby scratch three days before post time. While the colt could have competed, Casse questioned his ability to deliver maximum effort.
“I really felt like his feet were doing well, but if we could get him a little better that he would be tough in the Preakness,” Casse explained.
Regulatory Considerations
Despite Kentucky regulatory veterinarian Dr. Nick Smith’s prominent role in scratching horses during Churchill’s spring meet, Casse clarified this didn’t influence his Derby decision.
“We never got to that point, but that’s always in our minds. That’s not why I did what I did. I did it, because the quicker I scratched him, the quicker I could start preparing for the Preakness.”
Career Accomplishments
Silent Tactic has compiled a 2-4-0 record from six starts with $1,051,922 in earnings despite the persistent foot issue. After breaking his maiden on Woodbine’s Tapeta surface in October, he captured the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn in February. Subsequent Oaklawn efforts produced runner-up finishes by a nose in the Grade 2 Rebel and four lengths in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.
Casse expects the condition to persist indefinitely. “Oh, yeah. Absolutely, 100%. This is something that he’s just going to deal with probably for most of his life.”
Historical Parallels
The trainer drew comparisons to previous success stories managing similar issues. “Classic Empire couldn’t walk five days before he won the Breeders’ Cup (Juvenile). And you’ll remember he was the favorite for the (2017) Belmont. We had to scratch him because of his foot.”
Jockey Arrangements
Agent Steve Rushing confirmed Ortiz will ride Silent Tactic if the colt runs. The five-time Eclipse Award winner finished second aboard Renegade in the Kentucky Derby but seeks his first Preakness victory after seven unsuccessful attempts. Ortiz becomes the fifth different jockey assigned to Silent Tactic.
Venue Familiarity
With Pimlico under construction, the 65-year-old Casse faces an unfamiliar venue at Laurel. “I don’t think I’ve been to Laurel in 40 or 45 years,” he stated.
Equibase records indicate Casse has actually started 23 horses at Laurel since 1991, though he wasn’t required to attend those races. His most recent runner was Perfect Alibi, who finished third in the September 7, 2020 Weber City Miss Stakes
