When it came to seven furlongs sprinting in California, the specialist proved best in the Grade 1 $300,000 Malibu Stakes Dec. 26 at Santa Anita. Raging Torrent, a proven stakes winner at seven furlongs, defeated a field that included several who prefer longer distances, including 2024 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve winner Mystik Dan.
Mystik Dan was making his celebrated comeback after competing in all three 2024 Triple Crown events. The opening day Santa Anita crowd eagerly flocked to the paddock and walking ring to see him.
“That’s him!” one fan shouted to his friend as they watched Mystik Dan stride by.
The first Derby winner to compete in the Malibu since Silver Charm in 1997, Mystik Dan hadn’t tried a one-turn race since the fall of his 2-year-old season in 2023. In both of his prior sprints – at Keeneland and Churchill Downs – he was right on the pace.
California speed is different, however, and when the gate…
Leave a reply