Nichols, NY — When last seen at Tioga Downs, Robert Baggitt Jr.’s Blackhawk Zette rewarded the betting public, winning the Open Trot as the odds-on favorite. Just over one month later, the 5-year-old son of Cantab Hall made his return to the Nichols oval hoping for the same result on Thursday (Sept. 17).
Sent off at 2-5, Blackhawk Zette, piloted by Ridge Warren, chased Purple Lord and driver Jim Pantaleano to the opening quarter in :27.3. As the trotters straightened past the grandstand, Warren got aggressive and cleared to the top with Blackhawk Zette.
Warren backed down the half to :57.2 and moved uncontested onto the backstretch. With three-eighths of a mile to go, Enola pressured Blackhawk Zette while first-over and was just half a length behind at three-quarters in 1:25.4. But in the final turn, Blackhawk Zette found another gear and drew off impressively to take the Open Trot by 3 lengths in 1:54.2.
Purple Lord held second with Enola tiring to third.
Blackhawk Zette returned $2.94 to win. He is owned by J L Sadowsky LLC and trained by Baggitt.
Braxten Boyd expanded his lead in the drivers’ standings after scoring six times on Thursday. Ridge Warren tallied five driving wins for the evening.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (Sept. 18) when all end-of-season awards will be distributed. These include Driver of the Year, Trainer of the Year, Pacer of the Year and Trotter of the Year, among others. First post 6:15 p.m. (EDT). Then on Saturday (Sept. 19), Tioga Downs concludes its summer 2026 season as it hosts the New York Sire Stakes Excelsior Series finals. Fanfare will include a live call to post on electric guitar, the Horse Play truck giveaway and fireworks after the races.
For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.