John Gosden rules Turgenev out of Saudi Arabia's Neom Turf

Turgenev, who was 4-1 second favourite for the $1 million Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia on Saturday week, will miss the 1m2½f contest according to trainer John Gosden.

The four-year-old was due to be among the Gosden team, who are set to fly out this weekend for the inaugural staging of the Saudi Cup meeting in Riyadh.

Gosden said: "Turgenev won't be going to Saudi Arabia but we still intend to send Mishriff and Cherokee Trail for one of the handicaps, as well as Weekender. They fly out this Saturday and arrive on Sunday, I believe."

Turgenev (green): beaten by Biometric at Royal AscotCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Turgenev's absence will strengthen the chances of Japanese mare Deirdre, who is already odds-on for the Neom Cup on the back of a sparkling campaign in 2019 that included her triumph in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

The daughter of Harbinger will be joining the Gosden-trained trio on this weekend's flight as she is currently being prepared at Jane Chapple-Hyam's Newmarket base at Abington Place.

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