But Why prevailed in the Open Trot for the second consecutive week at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Scott Mongeon trainee moved aggressively to the lead in Monday’s installment of the $18,500 feature. Quarter-moving to the front for reinsman Jimmy Devaux after a 28 second flat first quarter, But Why took the field through a half in 57.2. Rose Run Xtra (Billy Dobson) was making his Spa debut and after yielding to But Why in the early going, rode his coattails throughout. The leader was met with the challenge of the favored Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) but rebuffed that bid en route to a 1:55.3 victory, his fourth in the Open Trot this season and eleventh overall on the year. Rose Run Xtra was the runner-up in his Open debut while Big Box Hanover had to settle for third. But Why paid $6.30 to win as the race’s 2-1 second-choice in the wagering. But Why is owned by Steve and Laura Stewart. For Mongeon, it was the sixth training win in the Open Trot this season as his By The Book has recorded a pair of scores in the feature for high-steppers in ’25 after winning Horse of the Year honors in 2024. The victory in the Open was one of three on the card for Devaux.
Live racing continues on Tuesday with a matinee that begins at 12pm.
