Star Japanese mare Almond Eye has suffered a shock defeat at her first outing since winning the Dubai Turf over 1800 metres at Meydan, Dubai in March.

Almond Eye and Danon Premium dominated the market in Sunday’s Yasuda Kinen but punters collectively gasped when the race favourites were both involved in an incident shortly after barrier rise.

The pair drew alongside each other in barriers 14 and 15 but were inconvenienced moments after the race began when Logi Cry – drawn to their outside in gate 16 – veered in sharply toward the rail, contacting the star duo in the process.

Almond Eye again struck trouble when trying to work into the race around the home bend, having to wait until the 350-metre mark before finally getting clear and setting sail after the tearaway leaders.