Stakes selections for Laurel Park on Dec. 26

A superb nine-race card, with eight coming in the form of stakes events, leads the way at Laurel Park on Saturday.

Race 2 -- Gin Talking S.

#5 Street Lute (8-5) is a neck shy of being unbeaten from five lifetime tries for John Robb. Street Magician filly has looked the part on the surface in two straight, and she will be tough in the Gin Talking with something resembling her top effort. I won’t overthink the race that kicks off the early Pick 4.

Race 3 -- Anne Arundel County S.

I feel that #3 Zeyaraat (8-1) is among the most intriguing contenders on the entire card for Pino. Shadwell homebred won her debut on dirt prior to competing in a pair of demanding stakes affairs on turf. Honor Code filly will thrive in her initial two-turn test on the main surface.

Race 6 -- Dave’s Friend S.

In a field that is especially deep, #7 Penguin Power (15-1) is too hard to pass up on at an inviting morning-line number. The 5-year-old gelding has faced softer for the most part, but the chestnut is still an impressive 13-for-17 lifetime. He figures to be the one to catch while making his local debut, as well. Runco pupil has never missed the board.

Race 8 -- Allaire DuPont (G3)

The feature pits seven fillies and mares traveling 1 1/8miles on the main surface. New York invader #5 Ice Princess (3-1) gets the nod for Danny Gargan. Gray daughter of Palace Malice ran into a very sharp winner at Aqueduct most recently, and although she faces her elders for the initial time, I really like her current form cycle. Victor Carrasco will guide the late runner.