Japanese superstar Almond Eye set to bypass Arc this year

Japanese superstar Almond Eye has been ruled out of this year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.

Having won each of her five starts in her homeland including the Japanese 1000 Guineas, the Japanese Oaks and the Japan Cup, Sakae Kunieda’s brilliant filly extended her unbeaten record to six with a dominant display in the Dubai Turf at Meydan last month.

Connections stated both before and after that victory that a tilt at Europe’s premier middle-distance prize was under serious consideration.

However, Masafumi Yonemoto – representative director of Silk Racing – posted a statement on the owners’ website confirming a trip to France is now not on the table – for this year at least.

The statement thanked Almond Eye’s supporters “very much for your warm support”, but confirmed connections had decided the Arc was “not the best race choice” after considering the impact of her recent trip to Dubai and the possible track conditions at ParisLongchamp.

The statement added: “With regard to the next run of Almond Eye, I’m in the process of thinking carefully with the trainer.

“We will consider domestic and overseas races as candidates.

“I cannot meet your expectations and I am very sorry. This horse’s health continues (comes) first.”