Jockey Justin Kass acknowledged that Silent Tactic’s surprising win in the G3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on February 6 caused quite a buzz, but he understands why. The victory was notable not only because a bloodstock agent had just scored big on a 12-1 upset, but also because it turned into a family celebration. Kass’s 15-year-old son, Maxwell, had skipped school to join the trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the winner’s circle was filled with his brothers—Hall of Fame trainer Mark, Central Florida real estate agent John, Mark’s wife Tina, and trainer son Norm—all gathered to share the moment.
In the world of horse racing, where families often live far apart, the winner’s circle at a high-profile race offers a rare chance for reunion. Kass shared his excitement about the win and the possibilities it could bring later in the year, saying, “Moments like this are what we work hard for, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the horse performs if everything goes well.”
As the one who spotted Silent Tactic at last year’s Ocala Breeders Sales Company spring sale, Kass secured the colt for $500,000. Silent Tactic originally sold as a $60,000 yearling consigned by Thorostock and is the first foal of a Gun Runner mare, who is also the first foal of the stallion Tacitus. Though his pedigree boasts elite bloodlines, including a French Group 1 winner, Macumba, and the influential Malibu Moon through his third dam, Kass stressed that a horse’s physicality and movement on the track are just as crucial as pedigree.
Kass explained that when evaluating young horses for sales, he prioritizes their performance in the undertack show but focuses more on how they move and carry themselves than just their raw speed. “You can tell when a horse is simply fast but lacks substance—those horses tend to be one-trick ponies,” he said. “I look for horses with a bit of rawness and room to grow, not those who are pushed too hard too soon.”
Silent Tactic clocked 10 1/5 seconds over 8 furlongs at the OBS Spring Undertack Show, the fastest among Tacitus’s offspring. While not record-breaking in time, his smooth, ground-covering stride caught Kass’s attention. “He was efficient and steady, and that kind of movement translates into durability,” Kans noted, emphasizing that sustainable movement matters just as much as speed for a horse’s long-term performance.
During the sale, Kass and longtime client John Oxley repeatedly returned to consider Silent Tactic because of his blend of speed, movement, and promising pedigree. Ultimately, their team effort led to the $500,000 purchase. Although Kass didn’t expect Silent Tactic to peak quickly, his patience has been rewarded. The horse debuted with a two-length win at Woodbine in October, followed by strong second-place finishes in the G3 Gray Stakes and Listed Smarty Jones Stakes, with Southwest marking his fourth career race.
“He’s making great progress without having too many races under his belt, and we’re thrilled with his development,” Kass shared.
This article originally appeared in the Paulick Report on February 11, 2026.
Fan Take: Silent Tactic’s journey highlights the importance of keen horsemanship, patience, and family in the sport, reminding fans that early fast times don’t always tell the full story. This win not only shines a spotlight on promising young talent but also reaffirms the enduring value of pedigrees combined with sound physical evaluation—a dynamic that keeps horse racing fascinating for enthusiasts and investors alike.
