Silent Tactic scratched from Kentucky Derby with bruised foot; Great White draws into field

Wednesday, April 29, 2026Confirmed

Sports Desk

What we know

Silent Tactic was scratched from Saturday's Kentucky Derby 152 after trainer Mark Casse said a bruised left front foot left the Arkansas Derby runner-up short of 100%, AP, Churchill Downs and the Courier Journal reported Wednesday. The defection moved Three Chimneys Farm and trainer John Ennis' Great White into the 20-horse field from the also-eligible list, with Alex Achard named to ride; Casse said the hope is to point Silent Tactic to the Preakness.

Silent Tactic had drawn post 13 at 20-1 on the morning line after winning the Southwest and finishing second in the Rebel and Arkansas Derby. Great White, a Battaglia Memorial winner who finished fifth in the Blue Grass, takes the outside spot as the first also-eligible to draw in for Derby 152.

What's confirmed

AP: Casse scratched Silent Tactic for a slight foot bruise; Great White draws into the Derby field (AP).
Kentucky Derby: Official Wednesday update confirmed Silent Tactic out and Great White in the main body of 20 (KentuckyDerby.com).
Courier Journal/UPI: Ennis will saddle Great White; Achard gets his first Derby mount; Casse eyes Preakness (Courier Journal, UPI).
Daily Racing Form: Casse said the bruise is long-standing but timing is poor; Great White had also been cross-entered in the Pat Day Mile (DRF).

What's still developing

Whether further midweek scratches reshape posts again before Saturday's Run for the Roses.
Silent Tactic's readiness for a Preakness start after treatment.

Sources

AP — Silent Tactic is out of the Kentucky Derby because of a foot injury, trainer says link
Kentucky Derby — Wednesday update: bruised foot knocks Silent Tactic out; Great White draws in link
Courier Journal — Silent Tactic scratches from Kentucky Derby field, Great White enters link
UPI — Silent Tactic scratched from Kentucky Derby; Great White now in link
Daily Racing Form — Silent Tactic scratch a reminder of how unforgiving the Derby trail is link