But Why made a strong statement in his debut at the Open Trot level, capturing the $22,222 feature on Monday, April 14 at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Trained by Scott Mongeon, the four-year-old trotter entered the Open Handicap riding a three-race win streak and started from post position two in the six-horse field. Driver Jacob Cutting tucked But Why into third early as Dewey Arnold (Jimmy Devaux) assumed command.
Approaching three-quarters, Cutting tipped But Why to the outside to launch his bid. The Crazy Wow-Porque gelding engaged Dewey Arnold in a head-to-head duel around the final turn. But Why began to edge clear in the stretch, ultimately grinding out a hard-fought half-length victory in 1:56.4. Dewey Arnold held strong for second, while In A Tiny Way (Aaron Byron) rounded out the top three.
Although he was the morning line favourite, But Why returned $13.80 to win as the 4-1 third choice at post time, delivering his fourth consecutive victory and fifth in eight seasonal starts. He is owned by Steve and Laura Stewart of Petersburgh, N.Y.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday at Saratoga with a first post time of 12 p.m.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)