Saratoga Springs, NY – Mocha Java (Creatine) prevailed in his debut in the Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday (Aug. 3) afternoon.
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. Jay Randall sat behind the six year old who drew post five for his try in the $18,000 feature for trotters.
Dismissed at odds of 9-1, Mocha Java got a pocket trip behind defending Horse of The Year But Why (Jimmy Devaux) who has followed up his award-winning season well but has been a beaten favorite on a few occasions of late. The 6-5 betting favorite 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 ’26, was the runner-up on Tuesday while But Why held on to finish third. Mocha Java is owned by Harmon Racing Stable, LLC.
Live racing continues on Tuesday at Saratoga with a first post at noon.