Silent Tactic Narrowly Misses Rebel Stakes Victory
Trainer Mark Casse came very close to another win in Oaklawn’s Kentucky Derby qualifying series, but his horse Silent Tactic was narrowly defeated in the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2). Despite the close loss, Casse confirmed that the colt will now aim for the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on March 28.
A Dramatic Finish in the Rebel Stakes
The Rebel Stakes produced an exciting finish between Silent Tactic and Class President. Both horses earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 91, turning the final stretch into a thrilling battle.
Ridden by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, Class President held a slight lead in the stretch. Meanwhile, Cristian Torres, the two-time Oaklawn riding champion, guided Silent Tactic forward. The colt briefly moved ahead with about 100 yards remaining, but Class President fought back and won by a nose. The race finished in 1:43.21 over a fast track.
Trainer Mark Casse Praises Silent Tactic’s Effort
After the race, Casse said he was pleased with Silent Tactic’s performance. The colt showed strong energy early but eventually settled into a good rhythm.
Casse also pointed out that Silent Tactic carried 124 pounds, which was five pounds more than Class President. In such a close finish, that difference could have made an impact.
Arkansas Derby Could Suit Silent Tactic Better
The upcoming Arkansas Derby will be run at 1 1/8 miles, slightly longer than the Rebel Stakes distance. Casse believes the additional distance may actually benefit Silent Tactic, as the colt continued running strongly even after crossing the finish line.
Strong Performances in Oaklawn’s Derby Prep Series
Silent Tactic has been one of the standout horses in Oaklawn’s Kentucky Derby prep races. Earlier this season, he delivered an impressive win in the Southwest Stakes (G3), passing nine horses in the final stretch to win by 3¼ lengths.
The colt is owned by John Oxley, who also campaigns Strategic Risk. However, Strategic Risk has struggled recently, finishing 10th in the Southwest Stakes and sixth in the Rebel Stakes.
Silent Tactic Climbs the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard
With his runner-up finish in the Rebel Stakes, Silent Tactic earned 25 qualifying points, bringing his total to 50 points. This places him second on the official Kentucky Derby leaderboard.
The Arkansas Derby will offer 200 qualification points, with 100 points awarded to the winner, making it a key race for Derby hopefuls.
Pedigree and Career Record
Silent Tactic is from the first crop of Tacitus, a millionaire and multiple Grade 2 winner.
So far, the colt has compiled two wins and three second-place finishes from five starts, with total earnings of $774,422. Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation, he was purchased for $500,000 at the 2025 OBS Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training.
Sandman to Take a Break After Recent Losses
Meanwhile, Sandman, the winner of the 2025 Arkansas Derby (G1), will take a break from racing. Trainer Mark Casse plans to send him back to the training center in Ocala, Florida, to regroup after finishing sixth in the $500,000 Razorback Stakes (G3).
Trainer Looking to Regain Sandman’s Form
The Razorback Stakes marked Sandman’s sixth consecutive loss since returning to Oaklawn in December. Earlier in the season, he also finished fifth in an allowance race on February 7.
Casse explained that when a horse isn’t performing at its best, it’s important to step back and reassess. Sandman reportedly came out of the race with minor issues, and the team wants to give him time to recover.
Sandman’s Career Record
Despite recent struggles, Sandman has had a strong career overall. From 14 lifetime starts, he has recorded 3 wins, 1 second, and 3 third-place finishes, with total earnings of $1,544,531.
