NYRA/Coglianese Photo

World of Trouble cruises in G1 Jaipur Invitational

by NYRA Press Office

World of Trouble had no trouble securing an automatic berth to the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint with a front-running victory in Saturday's Grade 1, $400,000 Jaipur Invitational, part of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" Challenge Series, on Belmont Stakes Day at Belmont Park.

Breaking from post 8 under Manny Franco, World of Trouble, the 2-5 favorite, grabbed the lead from the start and never looked back, setting a quarter-mile in 21.99 seconds and the half-mile in 43.85, completing six furlongs over the firm Widener turf in 1:06.37. The winner finished 1 ¾ lengths in front of the fast-closing Om, who was three-quarters of a length in front of defending Jaipur champion Disco Partner.

"Man, what a horse," winning trainer Jason Servis said. "I have to tell you, for some reason, I missed the [fractions]. I was watching him on the binoculars. I was a little bit relieved that [Belvoir Bay] didn't press him. I got a little worried at the eighth pole and then it looked like he was going to be okay.

"I think he runs a little scared like 'I gotta go, I gotta go' but he's a special horse," added Servis. "I'm looking forward to training some of his offspring. If I had a mare, I think I'd want to breed to him with that speed."

The globe-trotting mare Belvoir Bay tracked World of Trouble in second through most of the race before fading late to finish fourth. She was followed by Diamond Oops, Dirty and Wild Shot. Gidu and Undrafted were scratched.

Franco said he felt confident throughout aboard World of Trouble.

"I know that he's fast and I knew I was rolling in front. I don't try to fight him or get on him too early, and he always responds," said Franco. "I knew he could get the lead pretty easy. By the eighth pole, I knew someone was coming closer to me, and my horse, when he felt it, took off again. I had a lot of confidence."

The Jaipur was the fifth straight win for World of Trouble, who races for Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stables and Madaket Stables. Overall, he improved his record to 9-for-13 and has now earned $1,263,300.

"No one can do what Jason has done, he's really brought this horse along incredibly," Dubb said. "He picks his spots and hasn't taken him to the mat every race. He just has spaced his races and done everything the right way. I'm really in awe of job he's done."

World of Trouble, a 4-year-old son of Kantharos bred in Florida by Darsan, Inc., returned $2.80 on a $2 win wager.