Versatile World of Trouble Displays Talent in Jaipur
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Photo: Skip Dickstein
World of Trouble and his connections head to the winner's circle at Belmont Park
World of Trouble had no problem securing his third consecutive graded stakes win and seventh win in his past eight races, sizzling over a firm Belmont Park Widener turf course June 8 to win the $400,000 Jaipur Invitational Stakes (G1T).
Sent to the front by Manny Franco after breaking from post 6, the son of Kantharos cleared the field and dropped inside, holding off 6-year-old mare Belvoir Bay, who stalked a length behind. When Belvoir Bay faded, Om mounted a new challenge, but he was no match for World of Trouble, who set fractions of 21.99 and 43.85 before winning the six-furlong contest in 1:06.37 by 1 3/4 lengths as the 2-5 favorite.
"I know that he's fast, and I knew I was rolling in front," said Franco. "I don't try to fight him or get on him too early, and he always responds. 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."
Om was second, and three-quarters of a length behind came Disco Partner, who won this race in 2017 and 2018. Michael Dubb and his partners broke Patricia A. Generazio's winning streak in the race; horses owned and bred by her had won the Jaipur for the past three years.
"I've never had a horse like this before," said Dubb, who's owned a good horse or two in his career, including champions. "I've never had a grade 1 winner on turf and dirt."
World of Trouble won the Carter Handicap (G1) on dirt at Aqueduct Racetrack in April.
"I was a little bit relieved that (Belvoir Bay) didn't press him," said trainer Jason Servis. "I got a little worried at the eighth pole, and then it looked like he was going to be OK. I think he runs a little scared, like, 'I gotta go, I gotta go,' but he's a special horse. 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."
Dubb owns World of Trouble in partnership with Bethlehem Stables and Madaket Stables, and it was Dubb who initiated a private purchase after bloodstock agent Kim Valerio tipped him to the bay colt after a win in a $25,000 claiming race at Gulfstream Park in August 2017.
"Some people thought I was nutty to pay $160,000 for a horse that broke its maiden for $25,000," said Dubb. "But after careful review of his maiden-breaking race 10 or 20 times, I decided to take the plunge. This horse is a one-of-a-kind for me."
Since being purchased by Dubb, World of Trouble has compiled a record of 12-8-2-1 and earned nearly $1.25 million. With his Jaipur win, he punched his ticket to the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T)—the race was a Breeders' Cup Challenge event.
World of Trouble was bred in Florida by Darsan out of the Valid Expectations mare Meets Expectations. He was a $10,000 RNA at the 2016 Ocala Breeders' Sales' August Yearling Sale.
"Mike gave the horse to the brilliant Jason Servis, who does miracles with horses," said Michael Caruso of Bethlehem Stables. "Jason really manages horses right. He places horses so they can get some easy races and build their confidence."