But Why got the job done again in the Monday feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The track’s defending Horse of the Year made his return to the winner’s circle last time out and went the distance to prevail for the second consecutive week on Monday. Jimmy Devaux is the regular driver for But Why and together they overcame their outside post in the early going making it to the lead in this week’s installment of the $16,500 Open Trot. But Why worked hard at the start getting to the quarter in 27.4 before clicking off a half in 57.2. A first-over Malibu Kid (Leon Bailey) kept plugging away and approached the favored leader who rattled off three quarters in 1:27.4. Malibu Kid came from better than ten lengths out at the half mile pole to close sharply on But Why in the stretch. That tandem was joined by pocket-sitting Dewey Arnold (Jacob Cutting) as those three trotters slugged it out in the race’s final strides. But Why emerged victorious on a cold day in 1:57.4 by the slimmest of margins in what was a blanket finish that saw four high-steppers separated by a head at the wire. But Why, who is owned by Steven And Laura Stewart, was a fourteen-time winner in ’25 and now owns two victories in four starts this year. Malibu Kid was the runner-up while Dewey Arnold hit the board for the second straight week in the feature as he finished third. Scott Mongeon trains the five year old gelding who is approaching the quarter million dollar mark for his career.
Live racing continues on Tuesday with a matinee that starts at 12pm.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
