Talk Show Chica walks the walk

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — An early give-and-go proved to be the winning move for Talk Show Chica (Heston Blue Chip-Notalkingback), who posted a 1:53.2 harness racing victory in Wednesday’s (Dec. 11) 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 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.