No Miller time for Costa Rica

Trainer Jimmy Takter told harnessracing.com Tuesday morning that Costa Rica was not entered for Friday’s $280,000 (est.) Delvin Miller Memorial Trot at the Meadowlands after the filly developed an abscess in her throat as a result of being stung by an insect.

The sting occurred just prior to last Saturday night’s $299,050 Hudson Filly Trot at Yonkers. Takter said after examining Costa Rica he still believed she was fit enough to race. Leaving from post one with driver Ron Pierce, the second-choice Costa Rica led through fractions of :28.2, 1:00.2 and 1:30 before fading to fourth, three lengths behind the winning Spicy Wings in 2:00.1.

“I was borderline (scratching), but she had post one and I thought that even if she wasn’t 100 percent she had a good chance,” Takter said of the filly who earned nearly $1 million last year and was runner-up to Poof She’s Gone for year-end divisional honors. “But I guess it took too much out of her.”

Takter said Costa Rica’s throat swelled up considerably the morning after the Hudson, and he has since sent the filly to Dr. Patty Hogan’s clinic in Cream Ridge, N.J.

“We took out two pints of pus the next day (after the race). She really never had a shot to race good,” he said. “She’s now at Patty Hogan’s getting it cleared up. She’ll get proper attention at the clinic.”

Takter said he is optimistic Costa Rica will be ready for the Hambletonian Oaks eliminations on Saturday, July 31, at the Meadowlands.

« Back