Tequila Talkin collected his 16th victory this year, a hard-fought win off the trot in the slop, in Thursday’s $21,200 Open Handicap at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Tequila Talkin took an early seat fourth before following the live first-over cover of Warrawee Whisper. When Dave Palone swung him wide for the drive, the seven-year-old Cantab Hall-Margarita Nights gelding had just enough to collar early leader Joey and down him by a head in 1:55.4. The well-meant Warrawee Whisper finished third.

Ron Burke trains Tequila Talkin, who now boasts a career bankroll of $365,479, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

Palone piloted four winners on the 13-race card, including a pair for trainer Scott Betts.

Live harness racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 13-race program features a $3,412.58 carryover in the Jackpot Pick 5 (Race 4). First post is 12:45 p.m.

(MSOA)