Silent Tactic Scratches; Great White Draws In
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Silent Tactic, winner of the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes and runner‑up to Renegade in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, has been withdrawn from the Kentucky Derby because of a bruised foot, trainer Mark Casse confirmed Wednesday.
Silent Tactic’s scratch allows Great White to move into the main body of the Derby field.
Casse said the problem is in the colt’s left front foot.
“It’s a bruise that he’s dealt with for a long time,” Casse said. “Just not 100 percent happy with it. It’s very slight, but you can’t run in the Derby and not be 100 percent. So we’re going to work on it and hope to try to make the Preakness.”
Silent Tactic’s Record
A son of Tacitus owned by John Oxley, Silent Tactic compiled a career record of 2‑4‑0 from six starts. All four of his Derby‑qualifying races came at Oaklawn Park, where he:
- Finished second in the Smarty Jones Stakes,
- Won the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes,
- Ran second to Class President in the Grade 2 Rebel, and
- Was again runner‑up to Renegade in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.
Silent Tactic had been drawn in post 13; with his withdrawal, horses from posts 14‑20 will move down one slot.
Great White Joins the Field
Great White, the first also‑eligible and cross‑entered in Saturday’s Grade 2 Pat Day Mile, will start in the Kentucky Derby, trainer John Ennis said.
“He has been doing great since he shipped here,” Ennis said. “Very happy to get in. Let’s see what we can do.”
Great White captured the John Battaglia Stakes at Turfway Parkin February and set the pace before finishing fifth in the Blue Grass Stakes.
“Didn’t want to be on the lead in the Blue Grass, and we won’t be on the lead this time,” Ennis added.
Alex Achard will ride Great White.
Remaining Also‑Eligibles
Three horses remain on the also‑eligible list: Ocelli, Robusta, and Corona de Oro. They would need additional scratches before 9 a.m. Friday to gain entry into the Derby field.
