Harness: Hooker Berry powers to Prix d'Amerique victory

Hooker Berry gave driver Jean-Michel Bazire his fifth victory in the Prix d'Amerique, capturing this year's edition of the Group 1 event and the highlight of the winter meet at Vincennes Racecourse in Paris. The time was 1'11"7 for the 2,700 meters, a mile rate of 1:55 2/5.

Moni Viking (Björn Goop) got away best from the standing start and led early, but he would be passed by 2021 Elitloppet champion Don Fanucci Zet (Yoann Lebourgeois) late on the first turn. Meanwhile, favored Idao de Tillard (Clément Duvaldestin), who had gotten away in a wide position, appeared to get locked on the right line on the opening bend and went off-stride, taking him out of contention.

Don Fanucci Zet maintained command after he grabbed it, with Horsy Dream (Éric Raffin) sweeping three-wide to take up first-over position with about a mile to go. While that was going on up front, Hooker Berry, who had been positioned near the front early, took a shuffle as they trotted through the stretch for the first time, but Bazire was able to navigate him out to follow three-wide cover from Hussard du Landret (Benoît Robin).

Hussard du Landret moved forward and carried Hooker Berry into contention as they raced through the backstretch and onto the far turn, with Bazire then cutting Hooker Berry four-wide with about 500 meters to go in pursuit of Don Fanucci Zet, who managed to rebuff Horsy Dream and then opened up a gap coming into the lane. Don Fanucci Zet's advantage was not enough, though, as Hooker Berry swept into the lead early in the stretch, allowing Bazire to celebrate most of the way home. Hooker Berry would cross the wire about four lengths ahead of Ampia Mede Sm (Franck Nivard), who was at the tail of the main pack and rallied well. Italiano Vero (David Thomain), Hip Hop Haufor (Christian Bigeon), and Hohneck (François Lagadeuc) completed the top five.

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"My horse was on top. I tried to give him the best trip possible by putting him behind opponents," Bazire said. "As soon as I got off of their back, I knew I had won. It's an immense pleasure to be associated with a magnificent trotter."

A 6-year-old stallion by Booster Winner, Hooker Berry was bred and is owned by Michel Aladenise. This was his 13th career victory, and the winner's share of the million euros sent his earnings well into seven figures.

Bazire's other Prix d'Amerique tallies came with Belina Josselyn in 2019, Up And Quick in 2015, Kesaco Phedo in 2004, and Moni Maker 1999. He also trained Belina Josselyn and Kesaco Phedo. Bazire's son Nicolas captured last year's Prix d'Amerique with Davidson du Pont.