John C. Oxley and Victoriam Farm’s Silent Tactic, who was eased in his last start in the Travers (G1) at Saratoga, returned to victory Sunday by narrowly holding off a late surge from Zihnal in the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby (G3) at Remington Park. Entering the race as a slight 3-2 favorite over Zihnal, Silent Tactic won by a neck, covering the 1 1/8-mile distance in 1:50.31.
Zihnal finished second, four lengths ahead of The Hell We Did, who took third in the eight-horse field. Silent Tactic began the race near the back of the pack as Tricky Business led early, pressured by Vintage Cowboy, who held a slim lead through the first six furlongs. Jockey Ortiz moved Silent Tactic wide around the far turn before angling him inside nearing the quarter pole. Showing strong determination, Silent Tactic passed a fading Vintage Cowboy in the stretch and battled hard to fend off Zihnal’s wide challenge down the lane, ultimately prevailing by a narrow margin.
Silent Tactic had shown promise earlier in the year on the classic trail at Oaklawn Park, winning the Southwest (G3) and finishing runner-up in both the Rebel (G2) and Arkansas Derby (G1). Unfortunately, a bruised foot forced him to miss the Kentucky Derby (G1) and kept him out of competition from late March until August 1. Upon his return, he placed third in the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga but was unable to finish the Travers on August 29.
Overall, Silent Tactic holds a record of three wins, four seconds, and one third from nine career starts under trainer Mark Casse. The $240,000 winner’s share from the Oklahoma Derby boosted his career earnings to $1,359,422. Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corp., Silent Tactic, ridden as the $5 favorite, is out of the Gun Runner mare Magical Sign.
Fan Take: Silent Tactic’s comeback victory is a thrilling reminder of the resilience and talent that keep the sport captivating for fans. This win not only revitalizes his career but also adds excitement to the upcoming racing seasons, promising intense rivalries and memorable performances ahead.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
