Second foal of Almond Eye, Promesa al Mundo set for anticipated debut at Niigata
Wednesday, 30 July, 2025 19:51
Promesa al Mundo
A royally bred colt boasting a combined 15 G1 wins from sire and dam is finally set to unveil his talent. Promesa al Mundo, the second foal of legendary nine-time G1 winner Almond Eye (by Maurice), will make his debut this Sunday in Race 4 at Niigata Racecourse over 1600 meters on turf. His name, meaning "Promise to the World" in Spanish, symbolises lofty ambitions, and a new chapter in a potential global legacy begins this summer in Niigata.
One of the most regally bred horses of his generation is set to debut. Trainer Sakae Kunieda, watching the colt's balanced chestnut frame, commented, "He's come along smoothly without any major issues. He's calm, and overall, he's a high-scoring horse in every respect."
On Tuesday morning, he jogged a light half-lap on the dirt track at Miho Training Center before galloping up the slope course in 67.1 seconds for 4F, closing in 15.6. With groom Negishi, who also looked after Almond Eye, by his side, the colt ran with his head down, conserving his fighting spirit. "He's got great energy," said Kunieda with a smile. "Unlike us, he doesn't complain even in this heat. He's got a good appetite, too."
A week earlier, he clocked an impressive 6F in 82.4 seconds (36.4-11.4) on the woodchip course, effortlessly finishing ahead of older horses with a dynamic stride. "He's a different type compared to his dam, who had a long, sweeping motion and dug into the ground. He's more about pressing forward with speed than explosive late kick," the trainer analysed. "He's starting to develop a sleek body type, and I think he can handle distances beyond a mile. The outer course at Niigata should suit him. Now it's up to jockey Christophe Lemaire to give his assessment," said Kunieda, who has scheduled the final piece of work on the 30th as their first gallop together.
Trainer Kunieda, set to retire next spring, grinned, "Of course, our goal is one of the G1 races at year-end. Hopeful Stakes or Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, either would be fine." With 23 career G1 wins in Japan and abroad and a JRA-leading 1,107 wins, the elite stable now sends out the next chapter in Almond Eye's bloodline. All eyes will be on this highly anticipated debut.
One of the most regally bred horses of his generation is set to debut. Trainer Sakae Kunieda, watching the colt's balanced chestnut frame, commented, "He's come along smoothly without any major issues. He's calm, and overall, he's a high-scoring horse in every respect."
On Tuesday morning, he jogged a light half-lap on the dirt track at Miho Training Center before galloping up the slope course in 67.1 seconds for 4F, closing in 15.6. With groom Negishi, who also looked after Almond Eye, by his side, the colt ran with his head down, conserving his fighting spirit. "He's got great energy," said Kunieda with a smile. "Unlike us, he doesn't complain even in this heat. He's got a good appetite, too."
A week earlier, he clocked an impressive 6F in 82.4 seconds (36.4-11.4) on the woodchip course, effortlessly finishing ahead of older horses with a dynamic stride. "He's a different type compared to his dam, who had a long, sweeping motion and dug into the ground. He's more about pressing forward with speed than explosive late kick," the trainer analysed. "He's starting to develop a sleek body type, and I think he can handle distances beyond a mile. The outer course at Niigata should suit him. Now it's up to jockey Christophe Lemaire to give his assessment," said Kunieda, who has scheduled the final piece of work on the 30th as their first gallop together.
Trainer Kunieda, set to retire next spring, grinned, "Of course, our goal is one of the G1 races at year-end. Hopeful Stakes or Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, either would be fine." With 23 career G1 wins in Japan and abroad and a JRA-leading 1,107 wins, the elite stable now sends out the next chapter in Almond Eye's bloodline. All eyes will be on this highly anticipated debut.
Article Creds:Daily Sports