All Silent has tightened his grip on Stradbroke Handicap betting following his third in the Doomben 10,000 won by Apache Cat.The Grahame Begg-trained gelding has never performed well on a rain-affected track in the past and his placing on Saturday came as a surprise in more ways than one.Craig Williams took All Silent to the outside fence to get him in the best ground and television viewers were mystified when caller Alan Thomas announced a photo between him and Sniper's Bullet for the placing.

All Silent has tightened his grip on Stradbroke Handicap betting following his third in the Doomben 10,000 won by Apache Cat.

The Grahame Begg-trained gelding has never performed well on a rain-affected track in the past and his placing on Saturday came as a surprise in more ways than one.

Craig Williams took All Silent to the outside fence to get him in the best ground and television viewers were mystified when caller Alan Thomas announced a photo between him and Sniper's Bullet for the placing.

At no time in the straight did All Silent appear in the footage and even Begg did not see his run from what looked to be a hopeless position back in the field.

"I couldn't see him in the television picture and I thought he must have broken down," Begg said.

"What a run - it was unbelievable."

Stewards questioned Williams and Begg regarding tactics which the trainer said he left to the jockey.

Williams told the stewards he had walked the track as per his usual practice.

He said in his opinion the ground near the outside fence in the straight was lengths better than anywhere else and he told Begg before the race that he intended to do something out of the ordinary.

Stewards countered that it was probably in Williams' best interests to advise them in advance of such extraordinary tactics.

Although extremely impressed with All Silent, Williams is not yet committed to riding the $4.50 chance in the Group One Stradbroke (1400m) on June 6.

His other option is exciting Melbourne filly Ortensia who is the $6 second elect with TAB Sportsbet.

Trainer Greg Eurell confirmed Apache Cat would miss the race leaving 10,000 runner-up Black Piranha and the Gai Waterhouse-trained Bank Robber on the third line of betting at $7.