Epicharis

EPICHARIS (JPN), c, (Gold Allure {Jpn}–Stapes Mitsuko {Jpn}, by Carnegie {Ire})

O-Carrot Farm Co. B-Masatsugu Kamada (Jpn). T-Kiyoshi Hagiwara. Sales History: ¥26,000,000 Wlg '14 JRAJUL. Lifetime Record: 5-4-1-0, $920,285.

Last Start: 2nd, G2 UAE Derby Sponsored by the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group

Accomplishments: 1st, Hyacinth S., TOK, Feb. 19

Equineline PPs

After being treated for lameness in his right front leg earlier in the week, Epicharis was “walking sound” as of Friday morning. His connections feel the G2 UAE Derby runner-up is still on target for the GI Belmont S. and they expressed hope that he would not have to scratch from Saturday's race. A glue-on shoe has been applied to his right front hoof. “He appeared fine this morning,” said NYRA's Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Martin Panza, speaking on behalf of connections. “He's walked with a rider up on his back and they're happy with the way he's progressing. He's not going to come out, they're going to work on him this afternoon with ice. They feel confident they can make the race tomorrow, but they're still going to monitor the horse. Obviously, the horse comes first and if there's any problems, then they'll reevaluate.” This grandson of Sunday Silence was undefeated in Japan when well backed in the betting through his first four career races. In the UAE Derby, Epicharis lost what appeared to be a race-of-attrition stretch drive behind Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}), who was subsequently pulled up in the first sixteenth of a mile of the Kentucky Derby. That rival returned to run with credit when second in the G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh May 27.

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