ELMONT, NY – At odds of 1-4, the post-time favorite World of Trouble proved his favoritism by wiring the field in Saturday’s $400,000 Jaipur Invitational Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. This was the fifth consecutive win for the four-year-old son of Kantharos who has now won seven of his last eight starts including the G1 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct two starts back.
The Jaipur is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event, with World of Trouble receiving an automatic berth in the Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, November 1.
World of Trouble exploded from the gate and shot to the front to be the sole leader by the first call. Belvoir Bay was the next best, followed by Diamond Oops, Om, and Wild Shot. The 4-1 second choice Disco Partner sat a few lengths back of Wild Shot and Dirty was the early trailer.
World of Trouble controlled the race and controlled the pace as he set fractions of :21.99, :43.85, and :54.80 and ran as though it was a one-horse race. Belvoir Bay was the first to challenge World of Trouble on the lead and was urged forward by jockey Flavien Prat, however, World of Trouble quickly dispelled the challenge and cruised to an easy 1 3/4 length victory and a final time of 1:06.37.
Into the stretch, Om moved inside with hopes for a late run at second. At the same time, last year’s Jaipur winner, Disco Partner, moved wide and made a late run down the middle of the stretch. Om’s late run on the inside was just enough to get up for second as he passed Belvoir Bay and held off Disco Partner on the outside. Disco Partner finished third and Belvoir Bay settled for fourth.
Completing the order of finish was Diamond Oops, Dirty, and Wild Shot.
“I know that he’s fast and I knew I was rolling in front,” said jockey Manuel Franco. “I don’t try to fight him or get on him too early, and he always responds. 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.”
“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.
World of Trouble was bred in Florida by Darsan Inc. and is owned by Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, and Bethlehem Stables. His win here today marked his ninth win in his thirteen starts and brought his career earnings to just over $1.26 million.
“No one can do what Jason has done, he’s really brought this horse along incredibly,” said owner Michael Dubb. “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 returned $2.80 to win, $2.60 to place, and $2.10 to show. Om brought back $7.10 to place and $4.10 to show, while Disco Partner paid $3.00 to show.
Scratched: Undrafted, Gidu