Bettor Trip Nick tries to stretch speed in Gold Rush Stakes

For trainers Bill Delia and Bill McLean, there are still things to learn about the talented 2-year-olds they entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes at one mile at Golden Gate Fields.

Delia wants to find out if Bettor Trip Nick can stretch his speed two turns, and McLean is hoping Final Final can run as well on Tapeta as he has on turf.

Those two locally based runners figure to get a stiff challenge in the field of 10 from Rager and Absolute Weapon, two Santa Anita invaders trained by Andrew Lerner.

The Gold Rush will mark Bettor Trip Nick’s first try around two turns. He has won 3 of 4 starts, and his most recent race was a victory in the Golden Nugget at six furlongs here Nov. 9. Bettor Trip Nick broke sharply and set fast fractions of 21.53 seconds and 44.30 for the first half-mile. He opened up by 3 1/2 lengths in midstretch and held on by a half-length in 1:09.35 while earning an 81 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He’s a tremendous sprinter,” Delia said. “There are really no other races for him. We’ll see what he’s made of.”

There are other runners in the Gold Rush who like the lead, but Bettor Trip Nick seems the quickest. Delia said he likes the way he relaxed off workmates and galloped out after two recent five-furlong works.

“He broke with several runners and eased back two or three lengths behind them and took off when they turned for home,” Delia said. “But afternoons and mornings are two different trips.”

After two sprint starts at Del Mar, Final Final ran second when he came north and stretched out on the turf. He chased home Anneau d’Or, who went on to run second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Final Final then scored by a neck over Saturday rival Music Icon in a maiden race at a mile on turf Nov. 1.

“He’s got a long stride, and we always thought he’d be a router, and he’s training well,” McLean said. “He’s training well. He drew the rail and will be able to save some ground.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Bettor Trip Nick, by Boat Trip

Last 3 Beyers: 81-63-54

◗ Delia is having a big meet, having won with 14 of 52 starters at the meet entering the Thursday card.

Final Final, by Daredevil

Last 3 Beyers: 57-56-40

◗ He has run on dirt, turf, and now tries Tapeta.

◗ He has two six-furlong works and one seven-furlong work since his maiden win.

Absolute Weapon, by Oxbow

Last 3 Beyers: 65-57-63

◗ Comes off a 6 1/4-length victory going a mile in an optional starter race at Santa Anita.

◗ He has the speed to hound Bettor Trip Nick.