Laurel Park stakes spot plays for Feb. 13

Laurel Park features six stakes on Saturday’s nine-race program.

Formidable favorites can be found, with Hello Beautiful topping the Barbara Fritchie S. (G3) and Lucky Stride the top draw in the Nellie Morse S., and I have a few spot plays on the card.

Race 3 – Miracle Wood (1:23 p.m. ET)

Subsidize merits respect for Chad Brown following a convincing maiden win, but I am siding with #2 Newyearsblockparty in the $100,000 Miracle Wood S. at a one-turn mile. He exits an improved effort in the seven-furlong Pasco S. at Tampa Bay Downs, offering a fine bid before settling for second to Nova Rags, who came back to finish second in the Sam F. Davis S. (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs, and Newyearsblockparty is eligible to receive a favorable a stalking trip behind a contentious pace duel Saturday.

Race 6 – Wide Country (2:53 p.m.)

Street Lute brings a four-race stakes win streak, most recently crushing open rivals in the Kan. 16 Xtra Heat S., but she may face a different pace scenario in the seven-furlong Wide Country. #2 Salt Plage exits a pair of convincing wins from off the pace at Parx, and the Quality Road filly appears capable of making a significant impact in her stakes debut. She showed multiple gears drawing away to a six-length decision last time, and her 87 Brisnet Speed compares favorably, as well.

Race 8 – General George (3:53 p.m.)

There isn't much pace entered among nine runners in the seven-furlong General George S. (G3), and #3 Lebda exits a front-running third in the Jan. 16 Fire Plug S. in which he registered 104 E1 and 112 E2 Brisnet ratings. A three-time winner at Laurel, the four-year-old gelding appears to be rounding into top form for Claudio Gonzalez (21% win this meet), and Lebda looms as a wire-to-wire threat at 8-1 on the morning line.