Coglianese / NYRA Photo Photo

World of Trouble faces talented field in G3 Troy

by Najja Thompson

In search of his sixth consecutive victory, multiple graded stakes-winner World of Trouble will headline a talented field of six in Saturday's Grade 3, $200,000 Troy going 5 ½ furlongs on the Mellon turf course at Saratoga Race Course.

The Troy is one of five stakes races on the day's card, highlighted by the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney and includes the Grade 1, $500,000 Longines Test, the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Lure and the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton De La Rose.

World of Trouble, a 4-year-old son of Kantharos owned by Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables and Bethlehem Stables for conditioner Jason Servis, enters the Troy off an impressive 1 ¾-length victory in the Grade 1 Jaipur on June 8 at Belmont Park.

Unbeaten in four starts this year, including graded stakes wins in the Grade 2 Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs and the Grade 1 Carter Handicap on the dirt last April at Aqueduct Racetrack, Servis said at first he wasn't sure how talented World of Trouble was when he first entered his barn before his sophomore debut, but quickly found out when he won the Pasco at Tampa Bay Downs by 13 ¾ lengths.

"I really didn't know what to expect from him the first time we ran him, and he really showed up just how talented he is that day," Servis said. "He's a phenomenal talent and has just continued to improve. He came out of the Jaipur great and although he's making his first start since June, it doesn't take him that long to get race ready especially going five furlongs. He has speed but doesn't necessarily have to be in front, so we'll take a look at the field and take it from there."

Drawing the rail, World of Trouble will depart with regular rider Manny Franco, who has piloted World of Trouble to four victories.

Conditioner Christophe Clement will look to turn the tables on World of Trouble, entering a pair of talented homebred multiple graded stakes winners for owner Patricia Generazio.

Pure Sensation, a speedy front running 8-year-old gelded son of Zensational, has two wins from four starts at Saratoga and is unbeaten in three starts this year entering the Troy off a 4 ¼-length victory in the Grade 3 Parx Dash on July 6.

"He's doing very nice coming out of his win at Parx," said Miguel Clement, son and assistant to Clement. "He's 2-for-4 four up here, with one third over the turf course here, and should like the distance."

Disco Partner, a 7-year-old late running New York-bred son of Disco Rico will face World of Trouble for the first time since running third to him in the Jaipur.

"He always runs fresh and he looks great and is training well," said Clement. "They both have opposite racing styles so it should make the race interesting. Pure Sensation should be on or very close to the lead giving him his best chance to win, and Disco Partner is always best from coming off the pace."

Pure Sensation will leave from post 3 with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Disco Partner drew post 2 and will retain the services of Irad Ortiz, Jr.

Entering off a win in the Grade 1 Highlander at Woodbine for owner David Palmer and conditioner Michael Trombetta is Wet Your Whistle.

The 4-year-old Stroll gelding kicked of his campaign with a three-length victory in an optional claiming allowance at Laurel Park and followed with a victory in the Get Serious on May 19 at Monmouth Park.

"He shipped up yesterday and there's only so many spots to run these types of horses, so we'll take our shot in here," said Trombetta. "We'll look for a clear forecast, but don't think he'll mind it if there's a little give in it. Most importantly, we're hoping we'll get a pace that sets up well for us."

Wet Your Whistle will leave from post 5 with Alex Cintron aboard.

Also entered is Leinster [post 6, Tyler Gaffalione] and Rocket Heat [post 4, Chris Landeros].