An early give-and-go proved to be the winning move for Talk Show Chica, who posted a 1:53.2 victory in the $14,789 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

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 seven-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 while 2-1 favourite 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 harness 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.

(Rosecroft Raceway)