Epical works, likely for Belmont Gold Cup Invitational or Manhattan

ELMONT, N.Y. – Epical, a Southern California based-runner who finished fifth in the Grade 1 Man o’ War here on May 11, worked four furlongs in 47.21 seconds Wednesday morning over the Belmont Park main track, the fastest of 12 works at the distance over a fast surface.

Epical will be considered for the Belmont Gold Cup Invitational, a two-mile turf race on June 7, or the Grade 1 Manhattan, a 1 1/4-mile turf race on June 8. Trainer Jim Cassidy said owner Deron Pearson is leaning toward the Manhattan.

Before coming for the Man o’ War, Epical won the Grade 2 San Luis Rey Handicap at Santa Anita on March 29. In the Man o’ War, Epical broke poorly, which prevented him from getting to the front.

“We didn’t get the break we wanted,” Cassidy said. “I would have liked to have slowed the pace down. He never stopped trying.”

Epical finished fifth in the Man o’ War, beaten only 4 1/2 lengths by Channel Maker.