Raging Torrent aims to sweep to third Godolphin Mile victory for Doug O'Neill
American handler Doug O'Neill has never shied away from the international stage when he has the right horse, and on April 5, the California-based trainer is set to unleash another formidable contender on Dubai World Cup night.
Grade 1 winner Raging Torrent will attempt to secure O'Neill his third career victory in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile - and his second in as many years following Two Rivers More twelve months ago. O'Neill's most notable victory in the contest came in 2007, with Spring At Last.
"It's a real honor to have a horse classy enough to compete at meetings like this," said O'Neill, a two-time Kentucky Derby winner with an impressive global résumé, including a Japan Cup Dirt triumph in 2003 with Fleetstreet Dancer.
"It's an incredible opportunity for the whole team and the owners, and I'm just grateful to be working with such a talented and determined athlete."
A Rising Star
A bargain $75,000 buy at the 2023 Ocala Breeze-Up Sale, Raging Torrent wasted no time proving his worth. After a dazzling debut at Del Mar, his true breakout moment came at Churchill Downs last spring, where he romped home in a seven-furlong allowance race in eye-catching fashion.
"He's always been impressive, but that Churchill race was the moment we knew we had something special," O'Neill said.
That promise turned into reality two races later at Del Mar, where Raging Torrent took on California sprinting legend The Chosen Vron in the Grade 2 Pat O'Brien Stakes. After dueling through fast early fractions, he refused to back down, battling back to win by a neck and securing a spot in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1).
"That race was special because The Chosen Vron is a legend," O'Neill recalled. "Horses usually back off when they eyeball him, but Raging Torrent dug in and proved how tough he is."
Ready for the Big Stage
Though he finished seventh behind Straight No Chaser in the Breeders' Cup Sprint, Raging Torrent rebounded spectacularly with Frankie Dettori aboard in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes, dominating the Boxing Day feature at Santa Anita.
"After the Malibu, we immediately circled the Godolphin Mile as our next big target," said O'Neill, who is looking to repeat last year's thrilling victory when Two Rivers Over stormed home late to win.
With Dettori - one of the most accomplished jockeys in Meydan history -set to ride again, O'Neill believes he has the perfect combination of horse and rider.
"Having Frankie in the saddle is a huge asset," he said. "He knows this horse well, he's worked him, and he's already won on him. That experience is invaluable."
Locked and Loaded
Raging Torrent has been turning heads in the mornings, most recently clocking 1:12.20 for six furlongs at Santa Anita. He has since shipped to Dubai in fine form.
"His appetite has been great, his energy level is high, and he handled the trip like a pro," O'Neill said. "It's all about keeping him happy and healthy until race day."
While early in his career Raging Torrent showed limitations beyond a mile, O'Neill is confident that the one-turn Godolphin Mile will play to his strengths.
"Not at all worried," he said. "He's got speed, he's got stamina, and he ticks all the boxes. Now we just need a clean trip."
With final tune-ups set for this weekend, O'Neill will arrive in Dubai on April 3 to oversee the last crucial preparations. If all goes according to plan, Raging Torrent could add yet another international triumph to his trainer's impressive collection.
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