By The Book, Saratoga Raceway's defending Horse of the Year, got into the win column for the first time in 2025 on Monday, March 31.
By The Book enjoyed a six-figure campaign in 2024 and subsequently was named both Trotter of the Year and Horse of the Year at the track. The Scott Mongeon-trained six-year-old began his season as a beaten favourite in his first five starts but did secure a pair of second-place finishes heading into Monday’s try in the $21,429 Open Handicap. Jay Randall sat behind By The Book in his award-winning campaign and has done so thus far in 2025.
In Monday’s feature, Randall didn’t stop until By The Book reached the top, and once the standout trotter got there, he never looked back. By The Book stopped the timer in 1:57 over the 'good' track to secure his first victory of the year, besting the favoured Delayed Hanover (Matt Athearn) by a head and Ikon Vang DK (Brett Beckwith) by a neck.
By The Book paid $16.40 for the mild 7-1 upset.
With the earnings from his 24th career win on Monday, the high-stepper inflated his bankroll to nearly $350,000. The Chapter Seven-Explosive High gelding is owned in partnership by New York's Charles Harrison, Frederick Barthelmas and Tina Murray.
Mongeon scored a training double when his But Why ($16.60) secured a third consecutive victory in the very next race, coming from off the pace to win a $17,857 trotting event in 1:56.4 with young reinsman Jacob Cutting in the sulky.
Live harness racing continues on Tuesday at Saratoga with a 12 p.m. first post.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)