Raging Torrent, winner of the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes on December 28, 2024, has his eyes set on the prestigious Godolphin Mile in Dubai. The race, which is part of the Dubai World Cup undercard on April 5, 2025, will be a major goal for the horse. However, whether Raging Torrent will race before that remains to be seen.
The Target: The Godolphin Mile in Dubai
Trainer Doug O’Neill revealed that the main focus for Raging Torrent is the Godolphin Mile, a Grade 2 race that takes place in Dubai. This race is a big event in international horse racing and is known for attracting top horses from around the world. While Raging Torrent is being prepared for this event, O’Neill mentioned that they may look for another race before the Godolphin Mile if the right opportunity arises.
One potential race is the Palos Verdes Stakes (G3), which will be held at Santa Anita on February 15, 2025. This race, which is a six-furlong sprint, could be a good chance for Raging Torrent to gain more experience before traveling to Dubai. However, O’Neill emphasized that the focus is on preparing Raging Torrent for the big race in April.
A Historic Malibu Stakes Win
Raging Torrent’s victory in the Malibu Stakes marked a special moment for O’Neill. Despite having a highly successful career, including 1,198 wins at Santa Anita, O’Neill had never won the Malibu until now. Raging Torrent made it happen by winning the seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds, taking the lead and winning by 1 1/4 lengths. The victory was even more significant because it was also the first Malibu win for jockey Frankie Dettori.
O’Neill expressed how important the Malibu Stakes is in the racing world, especially with top horses like Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby winner, participating. He was thrilled to finally win such a prestigious race, which was the 77th edition of the event.
Raging Torrent’s Journey to Success
Raging Torrent, a 3-year-old gelding by Maximus Mischief, has had a solid racing career. Before his Malibu victory, he had already won the Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2) at Del Mar earlier in the year. He had a rough performance in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, finishing in seventh place, but has since bounced back strongly with his Malibu win.
With a record of 12 starts, 5 wins, 1 second-place finish, and 2 third-place finishes, Raging Torrent has earned $667,400 for his owners, Mark Davis and Great Friends Stables. His win in the Malibu further proves that he is a talented and competitive horse, ready for bigger challenges ahead.
J B Strikes Back: A Surprise Star
Another horse trained by Doug O’Neill, J B Strikes Back, also had an impressive performance at Santa Anita. This 3-year-old gelding by Goldencents won the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes (G2) at 16-1, a major upset. His journey has been an interesting one—he was claimed twice this year, and after rejoining O’Neill’s barn, he has been showing incredible improvement.
O’Neill was pleased with J B Strikes Back’s progress, noting that the horse has been a pleasant surprise with his recent success. J B Strikes Back’s win in the Pincay Stakes was his third victory in a row since rejoining O’Neill’s barn, showcasing his growing talent and determination.
What’s Next for Raging Torrent?
For now, the main focus is on preparing Raging Torrent for the Godolphin Mile in Dubai. O’Neill is not rushing the horse, and if he decides to race again before the big event, the Palos Verdes Stakes at Santa Anita in February is a possible option. Either way, Raging Torrent’s connections are excited for his future and hope that he can continue to shine on the international stage.
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