Mocha Java has become a presence this month in the Open Handicap Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The Rob Harmon trainee prevailed in his debut in Saratoga's top race for trotters at the start of August. The six-year-old Creatine gelding followed up his first local Open score with a third and second-place finish, respectively, before heading into the $24,658 Open Handicap on Monday, Aug. 24 as the 6-5 betting favourite.
Jay Randall, who has driven Mocha Java in each of his Saratoga starts this year, moved the favourite to early lead in a :27.3 first quarter. Mocha Java carved out a half in :57.1 and appeared comfortable through three-quarters in 1:26 before being tested in the stretch by pocket-sitter But Why (Jimmy Devaux). Mocha Java proved up to the task, winning by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:55.3. But Why was the runner-up while Spaaaazano (Kyle Swift) earned the show spot for the second consecutive week in the Open.
Owned by Pennsylvania's Harmon Racing Stable, Mocha Java has won seven of his 20 seasonal starts.
Mocha Java served as the first half of a Monday double for Harmon and Randall, who teamed up for a victory with four-year-old trotter Sunburnt Silverado, a 1:58 winner in a $16,096 conditioned optional claiming trot.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)