Callan Keen On International Chances

Neil Callan is hoping for better luck when he returns to Hong Kong for the International meeting next month.

Things did not work out for the jockey at the fixture last year but he is excited about having another try at a Group One prize in the Far East.

He is set to ride the Kevin Ryan-trained Desert Lord in the Hong Kong Sprint over six furlongs and Pressing for Michael Jarvis in the mile-and-a-quarter Hong Kong Cup.

Both are Group One races sponsored by Cathay Pacific.

'I went over there last year but things didn't go according to plan. It's a great experience to go out there though, and I'm looking forward to that,' he said.

'Desert Lord is a five-furlong horse and his race is over six. He ran too free last year and didn't handle the bend as he was going too fast.

'He's going back there again but at least we know what to expect and we'll try to drop him in and ride a race on him.

'I won the Group One Premio Roma on Pressing in Italy the other day. He's going for the mile and a quarter and I think Ramonti is going for it as well, so it will be some race.'

(C) PA Sport