Sir Ziggys Z Tam sat a pocket trip before progressing to an all-time track-record performance Saturday, June 9 at Buffalo Raceway, winning the $11,500 Open Pace in 1:51.2.
"The horse gave me goose bumps," driver Billy Davis Jr. said. "I knew I had the race won when I popped the pocket at the top of the stretch. The horse has a lot of heart and kept digging to the finish line."
Upfront Countryboy put up fractions of :27.3, :55.4 and 1:24.0 while Sir Ziggys Z Tam followed along in second. Sir Ziggys Z Tam, facing Open company for the first time this season, nailed the pace-setter in mid stretch and scored the head decision over Upfront Countryboy. Im So Handsome finished in third.
The record eclipsed the previous mark of 1:52 set by Fireyourguns in 2015.
It was the fifth straight victory for Sir Ziggys Z Tam, by Art Major-So Far Away. The 10-year-old gelding is owned by Tessa Roland and trained by JD Perrin. It was the fifth win in six tries in 2018 for Sir Ziggys Z Tam, now a winner of $24,575 this season and $892,191 lifetime.
Racing will continue on Wednesday, June 13 at 5 p.m. with a 10-race card set. The New York Sire Stakes highlights the program with the three-year-old filly pacers in the spotlight. There will also be action in the Excelsior A and B Series.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)