Breeders' Cup Mile winner Da Hoss, centre of the biggest drama to hit Hong Kong's International Races, returns next month as the leading North American challenger for the $7-million Group Two International Cup. Da Hoss last week repeated his Breeders' Cup Mile triumph of two years ago and now sets out on an identical path to a Sha Tin showdown with high-profile raiders from Europe and Australasia as well as a formidable local challenge. But the Hong Kong Jockey Club and trainer Michael Dickinson both know there will be no repeat of the positive swab to steroids that caused consternation, worldwide publicity and Da Hoss' withdrawal from the 1996 renewal on the eve of the race. Dickinson, who masterminded Da Hoss' return to international glory in Kentucky in the Mile, had vowed when he left Hong Kong that he would return and that there were no hard feelings against the Jockey Club here. 'I understand that racing here is medication-free and, unfortunately, Da Hoss showed certain traces of a prohibited substance,' said Dickinson at the time. The superb win of Da Hoss at Churchill Downs guarantees massive publicity for the International Races on December 13 and the Dickinson runner is clearly a top chance. Christophe Clement provides the other American runner in Statesmanship. Former Macau trotting trainer-driver Kenny Man returns to these parts with the excellent Northern Drake, but the Australian challenge for the 1,800-metre Cup has been hit by the withdrawal of last year's Bowl winner, Catalan Opening. From Sydney, trainer Bart Cummings' racing manager Bill Charles said: 'He has a crack in his hoof and is currently on his way to Brisbane where he will be spelled. 'It is very disappointing as we were looking forward to the Hong Kong race.' Newcastle-based trainer Max Lees now sends Corporate James, who is a Group Three winner and may find it tough going. The European representatives in the Cup are headed by Group One Sussex Stakes winner Among Men, who finished down the field in the Breeders' Cup. A spokesman for trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: 'A final decision on a start in Hong Kong will be made in the next few days.' There is also a doubt over the German runner Elle Danzig, with an announcement expected there before the end of next week. As reported yesterday, brilliant Australian sprinters Bezeal Bay and Toledo will be at Sha Tin for the 1,400-metre International Bowl with dual Bowl winner Monopolize the first reserve. Trainer Neil Drysdale's Dance Parade, multiple Group-placed and a Group winner, is the top American contestant and is backed up by Distorted Humor. In the 2,400-metre Vase, Australia will be represented by Melbourne Cup also-ran Joss Sticks, along with Star Binder, winner of the Saab Quality Stakes. Don't miss Racing Post