by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Columbus, OH — Costa Rica, the 2009 Goldsmith Maid and Peaceful Way champion, opened up her sophomore campaign with a 1:56.4 score in one of three $21,400 divisions of the New Jersey Sires Stakes for trotting fillies on Thursday afternoon (May 27) at Meadowlands Racetrack.

Lisa photo

Costa Rica was a 1:56.4 winner in her sophomore debut.

Owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding and Jim Fielding, the Muscles Yankee-Examination filly is trained by Jimmy Takter and was driven to victory by Ron Pierce.

Starting from post position eight, Costa Rica got away fifth as No I’m Not cut opening fractions of :28.3 and :57.1. The winner moved up to fourth on the outside, following the live cover of Highland Glider, as No I’m Not hit the three-quarter pole in 1:27.

Costa Rica continued to close on the leader and was second, one length off the pace, at the head of the stretch. From there it was all Costa Rica as she put in a final quarter of :29.1 to reach the finish line on top in 1:56.4. Title Ix rallied in the stretch to finish second, 1-1/2 lengths behind the winner, while Yansky came from ninth place at the three-quarter pole to finish third.

The opening division of the NJSS went to Elbridge Gerry, Jr. and Diamond Creek Farm’s Glide Power in 1:55.4. Trainer Jan Johnson was in the sulky as the Yankee Glide-Armbro Vote lass defeated Celebrity Madonna by 1-1/4 lengths, with Jettalady third.

Johnson earned a training double in the NJSS when Kentuckiana Racing Stable and Jorgen Jahre, Jr.’s Springtime Volo scored in a time of 1:55 for driver Brian Sears. The Classic Photo-Silver Springs miss was a 1-3/4 length winner over Keystone Tabby, with Muscle Amour third.