Dan Liebman is one of the most noted writers of Thoroughbred racing in the world.  After working for The Daily Racing Form, he took a job with The Blood-Horse magazine, where he eventually made it all the way to Editor-in-Chief.

Along the way, he has covered most every important racing and breeding event in the industry, over the past 3o+ years.

Today, Dan takes a closer look at the card at Churchill Downs:

Race 1

1-3-7

Miss Cobblestone likes the distance, likes the track and likes this level. Coming off short rest with solid works should make her tough in here. Big Red Seven was claimed for this tag in June. Obviously fits here. Throw out the race on slop; Miss Tutu has a shot.

Race 2

2-7-3

Athletic Temper missed by a length last out, first start since Oaklawn; now takes the drop to the claiming ranks. Deserving choice. Take your pick among two firsters, Fort Fortitude and Big Ed, to run second.

Race 3

4-7-10

With six dropping from maiden special to maiden claiming, this is one tough heat. Pegasus Moon got caught wide in his maiden voyage and didn’t miss third by much. A better trip puts him close. Dubby Dubbie shows some nice moves in the morning. Dalaman has a shot.

Race 4

2-12-7

McKinli’sbabyblues is bred to like the turf and the Cat Man’s numbers are solid with first-time starters. Should be a square price. The one to beat is Emmport, who ran a winning race but got nailed in her debut at The Spa. Like that she has had five solid works since that effort. No excuses today. Tropical Wave should show improvement in her second outing.

Race 5

4-5-6

Because the condition is NW3 or 3-year-olds, Like a Haint is well spotted. Bill’s Wealthygirl and Heavenly Daze should both fit at this level.

Race 6

8-11-12

Ride a Comet has been working steadily at Churchill all summer long. Payne was training at Saratoga and has shipped home for his maiden voyage. Eternal Force breaks from the outside but was heavily backed in his first start and could be tough if he makes the lead.

Race 7

8-7-2

In a race with no standout, willing to take a shot with Brave John, who goes turf to dirt, two turns, and second start with blinkers. Should be solid price with shot to pull upset. Up Your Cash comes off layoff in sport where he should fit. Unbridled Eagle takes big drop.

Race 8

2-10-11

Bingo Kitten fits well at this level. Will be running late. Creative Courage certainly liked the switch to turf, now has the ultimate equipment change. Might need one. Gorse has been close his last three. Another effort like that puts him close.

Race 9

8-3-6-13

Since this handicapper picked Farrell to win the Oaks, it is hard not to pick her in her comeback spot. Tequilita has shown she fits at this level. Minnie Blip at a price to get third. Covenant is obviously well regarded.

Race 11

11-1-3

Not the ideal post for this distance at Churchill when needing the lead but also not the toughest bunch. Makes Twirling Cinnamon possible after the claim. On the opposite end of the gate, Solitary Ranger also wants to be forwardly placed. Bear’s Big Boy has a shot to get close at a price.