Laurel Park Stakes Spot Plays for Jan. 21

A total of six black-type tilts will headline a big day of racing at Laurel Park.

Race 4 – Jennings S.

A one-mile tilt for the boys attracted a solid field of eight. #1 Ain’t Da Beer Cold (5-2) has never been better and is worth trying for the mini upset in the event. Trained by Kenneth Cox, the Freedom Child gelding owns four local wins on the strip and is well perched on the fence for this test. The chestnut has been first or second in four of his last five assignments and rates a nice chance with Angel Cruz in the stirrups.

Race 6 – Fire Plug S.

An evenly matched field of 10 will vie in the deep 6 1/2-furlong contest. With a plethora of speed signed on for the heat, I will take another chance on the late-running #1 Savoy (20-1) for conditioner Mario Serey Jr. The gelded son of Honor Code has shown vast improvement since cutting back in distance four back, and he will receive a much swifter pace to rally into on Saturday. The five-year-old's chances also improve if there is moisture in the surface.

Race 7 – What A Summer S.

Fillies and mares will go six panels on the dirt in another competitive affair. #3 Disco Ebo (8-1) will make her local bow for conditioner Butch Reid and I like her chances to thrive while making her first appearance at Laurel Park. The Weigelia filly is a smart four-for-seven at the distance with a pair of third-place finishes to her credit, and the Keystone State-bred exits a tough heat at Aqueduct when receiving an unfavorable trip. Frankie Pennington will guide the four-year-old bay.

Race 8 – Spectacular Bid S.

The seven-furlong dash for three-year-olds attracted eight including #1 Heldish (9-2), who I think will make good in his first try since joining the Mike Maker shedrow. The $160,000 December purchase is winless in four straight following his debut tally, but the son of Great Notion owns a trio of stakes placings and makes a lot of sense over a surface where he has won or placed in each of his three lifetime tries to date. Jevian Toledo will be in the controls.