World of Trouble Aims to Extend Win Streak in Troy

One wouldn't expect jockey Manny Franco to lose much sleep thinking about race strategy aboard World of Trouble going into the $200,000 Troy Stakes (G3T) Aug. 3 at Saratoga Race Course.

With the two-time grade 1 winner drawing inside for Saturday's 5 1/2-furlong sprint on the Mellon Turf Course, it would seem all systems go from the start for the speedy 4-year-old son of Kantharos . Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, and Bethlehem Stables' World of Trouble brings a five-race win streak into the Troy and he's led every step in four of those victories.

That said, trainer Jason Servis noted World of Trouble doesn't have to be on the lead, should early runners Pure Sensation or Rocket Heat prove stubborn early. World of Trouble did race wide in third early in the Carter Handicap (G1) before rallying to a half-length victory in that seven-furlong dirt test in April at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Since then World of Trouble has posted two graded stakes wins sprinting on the turf: the May 3 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes presented by MassMutuel (G2T) at Churchill Downs followed by a 1 3/4-length victory in the June 8 Jaipur Invitational Stakes (G1T) at Belmont Park.

"He's a phenomenal talent and has just continued to improve," Servis said. "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."

That expected field of six includes Patricia Generazio's accomplished, homebred turf sprint veterans Disco Partner and Pure Sensation, both trained by Christophe Clement. Like World of Trouble, Pure Sensation hasn't lost this year as the 8-year-old son of Zensational picked up his third win in as many 2019 starts in the July 6 Parx Dash Stakes (G3T) at Parx Racing. 

Pure Sensation has won the Parx Dash three of the past four years and Saturday he'll try to improve his 2-for-3 record on the Mellon turf.

"He's doing very nice coming out of his win at Parx," said Miguel Clement, son and assistant to Clement, adding that he should like the distance.

Pure Sensation figures to challenge for the early lead, while Disco Partner will aim to rally. Winner of the 2018 Jaipur, Disco Partner will be making his first start since finishing third in this year's Jaipur—2 1/2 lengths behind World of Trouble.

"He always runs fresh and he looks great and is training well," Miguel Clement said. "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 coming off the pace."

Another horse capable of a big late kick is David Palmer's Wet Your Whistle, who has rallied to victories in three straight turf sprints this year, most recently powering home from ninth early to win the Highlander Stakes (G1T) going six furlongs June 29 on the Woodbine turf. Trainer Michael Trombetta will be looking for a fourth straight win at a fourth different track.

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

Rocket Heat enters off a runner-up finish in the Parx Dash and Leinster will make his stakes debut after back-to-back turf sprint wins in Kentucky.

Entries: Troy S. (G3T)

Saratoga Race Course, Saturday, August 03, 2019, Race 5

• Grade IIIT
• 5 1/2f
• Turf
• $200,000
• 3 yo's & up
• 3:21 PM (local)

PP	Horse	Jockey	Wgt	Trainer	M/L
1	1World of Trouble (FL)	Manuel Franco	124	Jason Servis	3/5
2	2Disco Partner (NY)	Irad Ortiz, Jr.	124	Christophe Clement	4/1
3	3Pure Sensation (FL)	Kendrick Carmouche	124	Christophe Clement	7/2
4	4Rocket Heat (KY)	Chris Landeros	118	Michael Tannuzzo	15/1
5	5Wet Your Whistle (KY)	Alex Cintron	124	Michael J. Trombetta	8/1
6	6Leinster (KY)	Tyler Gaffalione	120	George R. Arnold, II	15/1