Mark Casse’s Pursuit of Kentucky Derby Glory with Eight Nominees

Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse is aiming to finally capture the Kentucky Derby title with a strong group of eight Triple Crown nominees. Despite a distinguished career marked by five Eclipse Awards, two Triple Crown victories, and six Breeders’ Cup wins, Casse remains without a victory in the Kentucky Derby, with a best finish of fourth place by Classic Empire in 2017.

Casse’s Derby Contenders for 2026

Casse’s contenders range from proven stakes winners to promising newcomers, showcasing a diverse range of talent and breeding. The group has collectively earned over $1.6 million.

Leading the Charge: Silent Tactic

Leading Casse’s contingent is Silent Tactic, a Grade 3 Southwest Stakes winner with 25 Derby points. The colt, purchased for $500,000, secured his first victory in his debut at Woodbine in October and is slated to compete in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn on Sunday. Silent Tactic boasts a 4: 2-2-0 record and has earned $594,000. He recorded a 114 Horse Racing Nation speed figure in his Southwest Stakes victory.

Strategic Risk: A Homebred Hopeful

Strategic Risk, a John Oxley homebred, has 10 Derby points, earned by winning the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn before finishing tenth in the Southwest Stakes (G3) on February 6th. The colt has a 7: 3-0-1 record and has earned $417,000. He achieved a top Horse Racing Nation speed figure of 118 in a Florida-bred stakes race.

Other Notable Nominees

• Ewing: With a record of 3: 2-0-0 and earnings of $169,000, Ewing won his first two starts before finishing sixth in the Ozark Stakes at Oaklawn. He is pointed toward the Arkansas Derby (G1) on March 28.
• Counting Stars: This filly has won three of her five starts, earning $238,000. She is entered in the Honeybee Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn on Sunday.
• Curtain Call: Purchased for $325,000, Curtain Call has not raced since October but is training steadily at Palm Meadows.
• Our Magical Moon: Breaking his maiden on December 13th at Oaklawn, Our Magical Moon has earned $108,000 and is owned by Live Oak Plantation.
• Souper Caliber: A maiden winner at Woodbine, Souper Caliber has earned $38,000 and is also owned by Live Oak Plantation.
• Easy Pick: Currently a maiden, Easy Pick finished eighth in his debut at Gulfstream Park on January 25th.

Casse’s Derby History

Despite his success in other major races, including the 2019 Preakness with War of Will and the Belmont with Sir Winston, Casse has yet to secure a Kentucky Derby victory in 11 attempts. His best result remains Classic Empire’s fourth-place finish in 2017.

With a diverse and talented group of nominees, Mark Casse is hoping 2026 will be the year he finally breaks through and claims the coveted Kentucky Derby title.