World of Trouble crushes field in Pasco Stakes

Trainer Jason Servis expressed reservations about how World of Trouble would run Saturday in the Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. But in view of how the colt neared the track record for seven furlongs in a sensational performance, Servis had to be breathing a little easier afterward.

World of Trouble, racing under the familiar Michael Dubb colors, returned $3.80 as the favorite after leading throughout in taking the 19th running of the $125,000 Pasco by 13 3/4 lengths at the Oldsmar, Fla., track, finishing in 1:21.52 over a fast surface. The track record is listed as 1:21.40, set by Catalina Red in 2014.

Antonio Gallardo, the meet’s leading jockey, was aboard World of Trouble, a bay Kantharos colt who now has won 2 of 3 career starts. Dubb purchased the Florida-bred privately following a 14-length victory in his debut at Gulfstream Park in August.

He Hate Me, the 2-1 second choice, raced in closest pursuit of the winner from the half-mile pole to the wire when finishing second, another 3 1/2 lengths before Mind Trappe in a field of eight 3-year-olds.

The $2 exacta (7-1) paid $12.40, the $1 trifecta (7-1-2) returned $43.90, and the 10-cent superfecta (7-1-2-5) was worth $22.72.

The Pasco comes three weeks before the Feb. 10 Sam F. Davis, the first of two Kentucky Derby qualifying points events (with the March 10 Tampa Bay Derby) at this meet. Both go at 1 1/16 miles.