Churchill Downs provided the backdrop for another important morning in the build-up to the 151st Preakness Stakes, with Silent Tactic, Corona de Oro and Robusta all taking significant steps toward next week’s Classic at Laurel Park.
Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse was cautiously optimistic after Arkansas Derby runner-up Silent Tactic returned to stronger exercise following the foot bruise that ruled him out of the Kentucky Derby only days before the race.
The colt went to the track shortly after dawn at Churchill Downs and covered a half-mile in 48.XX seconds under exercise rider Jose Belarmino Vasquez. More important than the clock, however, was the manner in which the colt travelled through the exercise and galloped out afterward.
Casse, speaking from his Ocala base, said the work gave him the encouragement he needed ahead of a possible run in the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown at Laurel Park on May 16.
“He worked very well. I was happy,” Casse said. “He had good energy galloping out, and that’s what I wanted to see. Now we just have to see how he comes out of it because that foot has been the concern.”
The veteran trainer stopped short of confirming the colt for the race, preferring to monitor the horse over the next 24 hours before making a final commitment.
Silent Tactic had built one of the most consistent campaigns on the Kentucky Derby trail this season. The colt competed in all four Oaklawn Park qualifying races, winning the Southwest Stakes before finishing runner-up efforts in the Smarty Jones, Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby.
Casse admitted the Kentucky Derby pace scenario may ultimately have suited his colt had he made the starting gate, especially after Arkansas Derby winner Renegade went close in Louisville behind Golden Tempo.
Still, the trainer appeared philosophical about missing the Derby.
“Friday he was perfect, Saturday he was perfect,” Casse said. “But you have to do what’s right for the horse.”
While Silent Tactic continues toward a likely Preakness appearance, trainer Dallas Stewart was equally upbeat after Corona de Oro produced a sharp move over the Churchill Downs surface later in the morning.
The colt worked five furlongs in 59.80 seconds under Pedro Velez, producing one of the quicker moves at the distance during Friday’s session.
Stewart described the breeze as “excellent” and said the colt appears ready should he secure a place in the 14-horse field when entries close.
Corona de Oro has rapidly climbed through the ranks in recent weeks. After breaking his maiden in front-running fashion, the son of Bolt d’Oro followed with a strong third-place finish in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland.
The colt narrowly missed the Kentucky Derby field despite sitting on the also-eligible list, but recent developments have moved him closer to securing a Preakness berth.
Stewart believes the horse deserves the opportunity.
“I’ve loved him since I bought him,” the trainer said. “He’s continued to improve.”
If Corona de Oro lines up at Laurel Park, Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez is expected to take the ride. Velazquez captured his first Preakness victory only three years ago aboard National Treasure.
Elsewhere on the Preakness trail, trainer Doug O’Neill remains hopeful Robusta can rebound from a troubled Kentucky Derby effort.
The Calumet Farm runner endured bumping leaving the gate at Churchill Downs before racing wide throughout and finishing 14th. O’Neill believes the colt emerged from the race in better condition than the result might suggest.
“He came out of the race in great shape,” O’Neill said. “He’s got speed, stamina and class. If things go his way, he can be a factor.”
Robusta has since resumed training at Keeneland and is scheduled to ship to Laurel Park on Tuesday ahead of the Preakness Stakes 2026 running.
O’Neill, who won the Preakness with I’ll Have Another in 2012, said the race continues to hold special significance despite this year’s temporary move to Laurel Park.
“It’s such an historic race,” he said. “We’re optimistic and excited to take another shot at it.”
The developing Preakness field continues to gather momentum following the Kentucky Derby, with several fresh contenders now hoping to capitalise on their opportunity in Baltimore next week.
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