Mocha Java strikes again in Open Trot

Mocha Java (Creatine) has become a presence this month in the Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Rob Harmon trainee prevailed in his harness racing debut in the featured race for trotters at the start of August.

The six year old gelding followed up his first local score with a third and second-place finish, respectively, in the $18,000 Open Trot before heading into Monday’s try as the race’s 6-5 betting favorite.

Driver Jay Randall has piloted Mocha Java in each of his local starts and on Monday moved the favorite to early lead in a 27.3 first quarter. The favorite 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 on in the feature stopping the timer in 1:55.3 for his second victory in the local Open and his seventh win on the season all told.

MOCHA JAVA REPLAY

But Why was the runner-up while Spaaaazano (Kyle Swift) earned the show spot for the second consecutive week in the Open.

Mocha Java served as the first half of a Monday double for Harmon and Randall who teamed up for a victory with young trotter Sunburnt Silverado who recorded his second win in as many tries at Saratoga on the year.

Live racing continues on Tuesday afternoon with a matinee that begins at 12pm. There will be a Pick Five carryover of $2,986 beginning in race one and a Pick Four carryover of $1,564 starting in the afternoon’s second race.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway