Doug O’Neill is no stranger to success on the global racing stage, and on April 5, the California-based trainer will seek his third victory in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan. His contender this year, Grade 1 winner RAGING TORRENT, is set to follow in the footsteps of Two Rivers Over, who secured O’Neill’s second win in the race last year.
A $75,000 purchase from Ocala’s Breeze-Up sales in 2023, RAGING TORRENT quickly made an impression with a debut win at Del Mar. However, it was his dominant seven-furlong allowance win at Churchill Downs that truly marked him as a rising star. That performance confirmed to O’Neill that he had a special horse on his hands, leading to an ambitious campaign that included a thrilling victory over California sprinting legend The Chosen Vron in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes.
RAGING TORRENT’s next major test came in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, where he finished seventh behind Straight No Chaser, now a Group 2 winner in Saudi Arabia. However, he rebounded in style under legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, securing a decisive win in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita on Boxing Day.
“The Malibu was the turning point,” O’Neill said. “That’s when we locked in on the Godolphin Mile.”
With a proven ability to sustain high speed over extended distances, O’Neill is confident that the one-turn mile at Meydan will suit his charge. He draws comparisons between RAGING TORRENT and his past winners, Spring At Last (2007) and Two Rivers Over (2023), noting that this colt has a blend of early speed and stamina that makes him a formidable contender.
Dettori, who will be in the saddle again, brings valuable experience at Meydan, a factor O’Neill believes could be crucial in a competitive international field. The colt has been training well at Santa Anita, including a sharp six-furlong move in 1:12.20 on March 9, and has traveled smoothly to Dubai.
“He shipped great, his appetite is strong, and his energy level is excellent,” O’Neill reported. “Now, we just need to stay injury-free until race day.”
O’Neill will arrive in Dubai on April 3 to oversee final preparations. As RAGING TORRENT readies for his biggest international challenge yet, connections are hopeful that this talented colt can deliver another milestone victory on the world stage.
