$100,000 Cardinal Handicap Looks Wide Open

At the lukewarm odds of 7/2, Canadian invader Button Down is the morning line favorite as the four year-old filly gets a bit of class relief following a fifth-place effort in the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes October 18 and runner-up finish in the Grade 2 Canadian Stakes September 13 at Woodbine. The Josie Carroll trainee has recorded back to back Beyer Speed Figures of 97 and 98 - faster than any last-out number posted by her 12 rivals. Paco Lopez will be aboard breaking from post 11 as Button Down looks for just her third win in 13 starts after finishing second six times. 

Tough spot to find second win

Wiener Valkyrie (5/1) acquitted herself well to North American racing in her last start, finishing a rallying second in the Grade 3 Athenia Stakes October 17 at Belmont in her first try outside of Europe. The three year-old daughter of Shamardal has just a maiden victory in 11 career starts, but earned a Beyer speed figure of 95 in the Athenia. Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan may have this filly closer to the pace than usual in a race largely void of quality speed. 

 Kiss Moon well-credentialed 

Kiss Moon (5/1) is a quality filly who fits in well at this level. It is quite likely the four year-old daughter of Malibu Moon simply hated the soft turf last out at Keeneland while finishing ninth behind eventual Breeders' Cup Mile winner Tepin. Kiss Moon is unproven at the distance, but likes Churchill and is training forwardly. Julien Leparoux will be aboard with the pair set to break from post 12.