But Why prevailed in the $25,694 Open Handicap Trot for the second consecutive week at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

The Scott Mongeon trainee moved aggressively to the lead in the Monday, Aug. 25 feature. Quarter-moving to the front for reinsman Jimmy Devaux after a :28 first quarter, But Why proceeded to front 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 favoured Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) as they raced by three-quarters in 1:25.4 but rebuffed that bid en route to a 1:55.3 victory. Rose Run Xtra was the runner-up 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. 

A four-year-old son of Crazy Wow out of Porque, But Why is owned by Steve and Laura Stewart of Petersburgh, New York. He has now won half of his 22 seasonal starts, including four Saratoga Opens.

For Mongeon, it was his sixth training win in the Open Trot this season as his stable's By The Book has recorded a pair of scores in the top event for high-steppers this year after winning local Horse of the Year honours in 2024. 

The victory in the Open was one of three on the 13-race card for Devaux.

Live harness racing continues on Tuesday, Aug. 26 with a matinee that begins at 12 p.m.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel; photo of But Why from a previous win)