Black back looking for change of fortune

AMERICAN jockey Corey Black will make a return trip to Hongkong later this month in a bid for international glory.

Black will partner American raider Charmonnier in the International Cup on April 14 as the final line-up of riders begins to take shape for the two international races.

This will be Black's second visit to Hongkong as he partnered Robyn Dancer in the then Invitation Bowl in December 1991, the previous running of the race.

Black was booked to ride Charmonnier by trainer Wallace Dollase and the experienced rider will be hoping for better luck this time around.

Black finished 11th in the Bowl last time having been well placed at the start of the home bend but finding nothing when pressure was applied in the straight.

Charmonnier finished second in a Group Two race in America less than a week ago and will come to the International Cup in tip-top form. He is given a solid chance by trainer Dollase who expressed delight at his performance in his final warm-up race.

Black had a spell in France with Criquette Head but it did not work out and he returned to America where he has been markedly successful.

Director of Racing, Philip Johnston, said: ''The American challenge this year may be more formidable than a lot of people think. They are obviously very pleased with Charmonnier.'' Lester Piggott, who had expressed an interest in returning to Hongkong for the big day, is not now expected to ride English Bowl challenger Thourios, with the ride going to Richard Quinn.

That will give Quinn rides in both events as he partners Half A Tick in the Cup for trainer Paul Cole.

With Walter Swinburn virtually certain to ride French challenger Urban Sea and John Lowe on Mellottie, there will be a strong English riding presence in both events.

Local rider Danny Lee has lodged notice of his intention to appeal against a nine-meeting ban which has now been suspended pending the appeal hearing.