Fort Washington, MD — An early give-and-go proved to be the winning move for Talk Show Chica, who posted a 1:53.2 victory in Wednesday’s (Dec. 11) $10,500 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Rosecroft Raceway.
Owner-driver Corey Braden gunned to the early lead with Talk Show Chica before yielding briefly to 15-1 outsider Papillion (Russell Foster) approaching a :26.2 first quarter and immediately retaking with just over a circuit to go.
After pulling the half back to :56.4, Talk Show Chica was pressed to a :27.4 third sectional by the first-over Phoenix Rising (Frank Milby). The 7-year-old Heston Blue Chip-Notalkingback mare remained steadfast under pressure, digging in to maintain 1-1/4 lengths of clearance at the winning post. Papillion narrowly saved second up the pegs from Phoenix Rising; 2-1 favorite Dice Dice Baby faded to seventh after a failed three-wide move off Phoenix Rising’s cover through the far turn.
Stacey McLenaghan trains 28-time winner Talk Show Chica, who paid $7.20 to win.
Michael Hall led all trainers with three wins on the 13-race card, winning with Craft Made ($2.40, 1:55.3), Western Flames ($5.80, 1:57.1) and Undeterred ($2.80, 1:54.3).
Live racing returns to Rosecroft on Monday (Dec. 16); the Jackpot Hi-5 carryover now stands at $21,681.49. First post is 7:40 p.m. (EST).