By Christie DeBernardis
“TDN Rising Star” McCraken (Ghostzapper) will attempt to rebound off a disappointing effort in the GI Travers S. last time in Saturday's GII Hagyard Fayette S. at Keeneland. Winner of the GIII Matt Winn S. June 17, the sophomore missed by just a nose in the GI Haskell Invitational S. July 30 and could do no better than seventh behind GI Breeders' Cup Classic-bound West Coast (Flatter) in the Travers Aug. 26.
Neolithic (Harlan's Holiday) looks to finally earn his first graded win in this spot after finishing behind the likes of Arrogate (Unbridled's Song) and Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}) in his last few attempts at black-type. Third in both the GI Pegasus World Cup and G1 Dubai World Cup, the dark bay showed appreciation for a class break and cut back in trip when winning a seven-panel Saratoga optional claimer Aug. 5 and was third last time in that venue's GI Woodward S. Sept. 2.
Honorable Duty (Distorted Humor) was awarded morning-line favoritism in this test off a decisive victory in the GIII Lukas Classic Sept. 30 at Churchill. He has been very consistent this year, winning the GIII Mineshaft H. and GII New Orleans H., and finishing second in the GII Alysheba S. and GI Stephen Foster H.
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