Mocha Java prevailed in his debut in the $25,352 Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday (Aug. 3) afternoon.  

Jay Randall sat behind the six year old who drew post five for his try in the feature for trotters. Dismissed at odds of 9-1, Mocha Java got a pocket trip behind defending Saratoga Horse of The Year But Why (Jimmy Devaux) who has followed up his award-winning season well but has been a beaten favourite on a few occasions of late. The 6-5 betting favourite this week, But Why set leisurely fractions on the engine taking them to the half in :59.1 before being met with the challenge of Wolfpack Zach (Jacob Cutting) who hounded the leader throughout the second lap in the feature. 

But Why and Wolfpack Zach brought their battle to the stretch where they were joined by Mocha Java who surged in the final strides to get the job done in 1:56.4. Wolfpack Zach, a thirteen-time winner in 2026, was the runner-up on Tuesday while But Why held on to finish third. 

Trainer Rob Harmon brought Mocha Java to town off a win at Tioga Downs and with five wins to his credit in the 2026 campaign. The six-year-old Creatine-Cavier N Chardoney is owned by Harmon Racing Stable, LLC of Milford, PA. 

Live racing continues on Tuesday at Saratoga with a 12 p.m. first post.

(With files from Saratoga Raceway)