Silent Tactic Aims for Upset in Travers Stakes for Trainer Mark Casse

Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse is seeking his first victory in the Travers Stakes, the $1.25 million Grade 1 race at Saratoga Race Course, with Silent Tactic. The three-year-old colt will break from the far outside post position 10 on Saturday with morning line odds of 10-1.

Owned by John Oxley, Silent Tactic was acquired for $500,000 at a 2-year-old sale in Ocala, Florida. Casse initially questioned the investment due to the horse’s lethargic training habits, noting that getting the colt to perform in the mornings required significant effort. However, Silent Tactic proved his worth immediately by winning his debut at Woodbine last October and has hit the board in all seven of his lifetime starts.

The horse’s path to the Travers included a layoff due to foot issues, which sidelined him from the Triple Crown trail. He returned on August 1 in the Jim Dandy Stakes, finishing third behind winner Renegade and Commandment. Despite the defeat, Casse was encouraged by the performance, noting that Silent Tactic exceeded expectations given the four-month break and finished only 2 ½ lengths behind Renegade, who is listed as the 3-1 second choice for the Travers.

To manage past foot problems, including a separation in his left front hoof, Silent Tactic trains with special shoes and pads. Casse indicated that these pads are removed on race day. The trainer anticipates a strong effort in the colt’s second start back from layoff. Silent Tactic is a Kentucky-bred by Tacticus and out of Magical Sign, a daughter of Gun Runner.

The Travers Stakes is a premier event for thoroughbred racing and is held at a venue operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the company known for its live racing, historical wagering, and casino gaming operations. Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) was trading at $86.51 recently, down 1.57% from the previous close.

What to watch

• Silent Tactic’s performance in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes on Saturday.
• Churchill Downs Incorporated continues to manage live racing venues and wagering services.

Source: original release