By Bloodhorse.com
ALBANY, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2019) –Special T Thoroughbreds’ freshman sire Boat Trip had his first winner from his first starter Aug. 23 when his gelded son Bettor Trip Nick held on by a nose to win a maiden claiming race at Golden Gate Fields.
Trained by co-owner William Delia for his partners Gary Oetman and Ray Pagano, Bettor Trip Nick broke alertly and was guided to the rail by Catalino Martinez where he led through the first three-sixteenths of a mile but was pressured by Cartellate, who took over to post a quarter-mile in a quick :21.68.
The half went in :45.74 with Cartellate leading the way. Although Bettor Trip Nick trailed in the stretch by 3 1/2 lengths, he was able to rally to get a nose in front just in time, completing the five furlongs over the all-weather track in :58.80.
Bred in California by Running Horse Equine Training Center, which stood Boat Trip for his first two years at stud, Bettor Trip Nick is the third winner for his dam, Bettor Knot (by In Excess).
Boat Trip was trained by Michael Pender for owners James Hirschmann III and B.J. Wright. The son of Harlan’s Holiday won five races from 22 starts while racing from 2 to 6. A winner of two stakes at Hollywood Park, his highest achievement came when he finished second—a nose behind Chips All In—in the 2013 Eddie D Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.
Now a 10-year-old, Boat Trip has 21 named foals and stood 2019 for a $2,500 fee.