But Why continued his breakout season at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday, April 28 when the Scott Mongeon trainee won the Open Handicap Trot for the second time.
But Why debuted in the local Open on April 14 while already a four-time winner in 2025. The Crazy Wow-Porque gelding pulled off a mild upset in his first start in the trotting feature as driver Jacob Cutting piloted him to a mild upset at odds of 5-1. Following a strong closing fourth-place finish last week, But Why drew the rail for Monday’s try in the $22,222 Open.
Cutting got a two-hole trip for But Why, who as the second choice in the wagering at odds of 2-1 sat the pocket to Delayed Hanover (Wally Hennessey) before powering past the favourite in the stretch to score in 1:55.1. The win time marked a new lifetime-best for But Why, whose victory was his sixth in 10 seasonal starts. Delayed Hanover was the runner-up while Busting With Pride (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot.
The four-year-old joined the Mongeon stable last season following a summer during which he competed in the Excelsior Series as part of the New York Sire Stakes. But Why enjoyed some success last year but the early portion of the 2025 campaign has brought upon massive results for the most recent trotting star to come out of the Mongeon barn.
Mongeon, who trained 2024 Saratoga Trotter and Horse of the Year By The Book, has another upper echelon high-stepper in his stable who is now becoming a fixture in the Open.
Live harness racing continues on Tuesday afternoon with a first post set for 12 p.m.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)