Raging Torrent won the $200,000 Malibu Stakes by 1 1/4 lengths on Thursday at Santa Anita, with Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan finishing last in the final Grade 1 stakes of the year in the United States.

Raging Torrent, bet down to the 5-2 favorite, finished best of all to provide trainer Doug O’Neill with his first-ever win in the Grade 1, $300,000 Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds going seven furlongs on opening day at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.

Firming into 13-5 favoritism in the final few clicks of the tote, Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) found his best stride well off the inside entering the final eighth of a mile and staved off a late challenge from 2024 GI Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold (Ghostzapper) to win Thursday's GI Malibu Stakes,

Raging Torrent, a winner in four of seven races this year, won the Malibu Stakes on the first day of racing at Santa Anita. Mystik Dan finished last.

Maximus Mischief colt will be pointed for March 30 Godolphin Mile while O'Neill has Santa Anita Handicap in mind for Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes winner J B Strikes Back

Raging Torrent has won the $200,000 Malibu Stakes by 1 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita, with Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan finishing last in the final Grade 1 stakes of the year in the United States.