Japan star Almond Eye ruled out of Arc challenge as connections rethink plans

Almond Eye, the Japanese-trained super-filly who won her country's fillies' triple crown and last year's Japan Cup, has been ruled out of a tilt at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October.

She was an impressive winner of the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan last month over 1m1f, and trainer Sakae Kunieda and jockey Christophe Lemaire had expressed excitement afterwards about the four-year-old tackling Europe’s most prestigious race.

However, Silk Racing, owners of Almond Eye, on Wednesday released a statement on their website addressed to "Everyone who supports Almond Eye".

The statement said the decision to bypass the Arc was made after considering multiple factors, including her most recent trip to Dubai and the changes in her physical condition during long-distance transportation.

Connections also have concerns over the suitability of possible underfoot conditions – four of her six Group wins have been on ground officially described as firm – for Almond Eye at Longchamp in the autumn.

"We are very sorry that we are not able to meet your expectations," wrote Silk Racing representative director Masafumi Yonemoto in the statement.

"We have to judge it is not the best race selection for her in view of the conditions such as environmental adaptation, the race itself, the care environment after race, and long-distance transportation."

Almond Eye was second favourite for the Arc, along with last year’s runner-up Sea Of Class, behind dual winner Enable.

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