Radio Silence opts for easier spot

Radio Silence was among the nominees for the Hollywood Derby, but he will aim a little lower and instead go in a one-mile grass allowance in race 8 on Saturday in search of his first victory in the United States.

The highly regarded Radio Silence, who previously raced in Ireland, was sixth in his first start in this country as the 3-2 favorite Oct. 14 at Santa Anita.

“He had a rough trip. I’m still pretty high on him,” trainer Richard Baltas said Thursday. “He’s headstrong, and got stuck last time. He was running over top of them.”

Flavien Prat rode Radio Silence last time, but he wound up on Hootie on Saturday. Corey Nakatani takes over.

“Corey worked him on the grass, and his last work was really good,” Baltas said, referring to a five-furlong drill in 1:00.20 on the Del Mar turf last Sunday. “I expect he’ll be really tough in here.”