Silent Tactic is out of the Kentucky Derby, and Great White has secured his spot

The son of Tacitus appeared as one of the contenders, but a hoof issue has sidelined him

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).— Just days away from the start of the Kentucky Derby (G1), the final field has undergone a significant change: Silent Tactic, winner of the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park, is officially out of the race due to a physical issue.

Trainer Mark Casse confirmed this Wednesday that the son of Tacitus continues to struggle with a hoof bruise, a situation that ultimately forced the colt's withdrawal from the great objective.

The news automatically opened the door for Great White, who entered the Derby after holding the number 21 spot on the preference list.

Silent Tactic had already shown signs of discomfort before competing in the Arkansas Derby (G1), where he finished second behind Renegade (Into Mischief), one of the main contenders for Churchill Downs.

Representing John Oxley, the colt arrived at the Derby backed by a solid campaign at Oaklawn, where he had been the only horse to complete the demanding full circuit of local preps.

However, the physical setback ultimately carried more weight, and the team preferred not to take risks with the colt.

The big beneficiary was Great White, an imposing son of Volatile trained by John Ennis for Three Chimneys Farmand the trainer himself.

The gray secured most of his points by winning the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes (L) at Turfway Park in February, though he could only manage a fifth-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland thereafter.

Regardless, his campaign was enough to place him first on the also-eligible list and finally gain entry into the Derby.

The story of Great White also has a unique commercial side: he was acquired for just $55,000 during the Fasig-Tipton Digital December Sale in 2024, a minimal figure compared to the values usually associated with the top contenders for the roses.

Given this landscape, there are now only three alternates waiting for any last-minute defections to enter the starting gate for the opening leg of the U.S. Triple Crown: Ocelli (Connect), Robusta (Accelerate), and Corona de Oro (Bolt d'Oro).