David Evans is sending star sprinter Rohaan to Saudi Arabia for a freshen up in the Group 3 1351 Turf Sprint at Riyadh after disappointing at Lingfield.
The four-year-old has a stellar Summer, including wins in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock and the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot, but will bypass All-Weather Finals Day at Newcastle on Good Friday.
In a lacklustre first start since October when partnered by Ryan Moore, Rohaan finished eighth of nine to Spycatcher in the Listed six-furlong Kachy Stakes on Saturday.
His Welsh trainer feels the son of Mayson required a race and is now heading to warmer climbs with his stable star.
"He was never going to go for the Finals Day," said Evans. "He is off to Saudi, all being well, for a race on February 26. He will go for the six-furlong race on the grass (1351 Turf Sprint).
"He needed the run last time. I thought he was a bit fitter than what he was. He came there to do it, but he didn't quicken up at the end. Ryan wasn't hard on him after that. We were happy enough with the run, really.
"We will play it by ear after that. There is not a lot for him in England.
"He is entered in Dubai as well and we'll see how it goes. He might not be up to scratch, but we have got to try.
"He needed the run more than I thought but he will be all right next time."
