Super Chapter captures the International Trot

Saturday's MGM Yonkers International Trot turned into an impressive romp for Dexter Dunn and Marcus Melander with Super Chapter stopping the clock in a mile rate of 1:53.3 (1.10.6 km rate) over the 1 1/4-mile distance. The American favorite took control early on the Yonkers half-mile oval and never looked back. Behind him, French champion Hooker Berry FR delivered an eye-catching performance, closing resolutely from the rear to secure third place.

Leaving from post position five, Super Chapter was sharp off the gate. After Bourbonista S briefly seized the lead, Dexter Dunn angled his charge to the front and quickly took command. From there, the favorite was able to dictate fractions entirely on his own terms.

The European contingent mounted their challenge down the backstretch, with Hooker Berry taking center stage. The nine-year-old French trotter was initially positioned well back before Antoine Lherete launched a three-wide bid heading into the final turn. Hooker Berry visibly struggled with the tight turns and lost momentum hanging in, but he repeatedly accelerated off the bends to regain ground in the short straightaways, delivering a strong performance to earn third.

Alessandro Gocciadoro drove a tactically astute race to finish closest to the winner, securing yet another runner-up finish with Diva EK.

Bjorn Goop finished fourth with his Better Pacer, rounding out a strong European presence, though the Americans claimed victory with a New Zealand driver and a Swedish trainer at the helm.