Tim Clark is in countdown mode, starting with Tuesday's Randwick meeting, as he prepares for a Hong Kong riding stint.Clark will call a temporary halt on what has been a flourishing Sydney career after he rides at Canterbury on Wednesday.Although the new Hong Kong season doesn't start until September 11, Clark is heading off early to Asian racing's unofficial headquarters."I've decided to go over a bit earlier after speaking with some people," Clark said."That way I can start riding work and bui

Tim Clark is in countdown mode, starting with Tuesday's Randwick meeting, as he prepares for a Hong Kong riding stint.

Clark will call a temporary halt on what has been a flourishing Sydney career after he rides at Canterbury on Wednesday.

Although the new Hong Kong season doesn't start until September 11, Clark is heading off early to Asian racing's unofficial headquarters.

"I've decided to go over a bit earlier after speaking with some people," Clark said.

"That way I can start riding work and building up some contacts to give myself a chance of picking up some good rides as soon as the season starts."

Clark's decision will cost him an early spring reunion with Atomic Force, the sprinter he rode to Group One victory in the Galaxy at Randwick.

He rode Atomic Force in a Rosehill barrier trial win last week but Nash Rawiller takes over in Clark's absence when the six-year-old is expected to resume in the Starlight Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.

Clark, who has made a successful transition to Sydney's senior jockey ranks after a premiership-winning career as an apprentice, said Hong Kong would offer new challenges.

"I'm a little bit nervous but I'm excited at the same time," he said.

Clark heads overseas contracted to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for five months and he hopes to bow out on a winning note at the Randwick meeting held on the Kensington track.

The best of his rides appears to be the Gai Waterhouse-trained Dreams And Desires in the Coogee Maiden Plate (1800m).

Dreams And Desires finished fourth at Warwick Farm on July 13 - the first time she has missed a place in six career starts.

Clark will also ride on-pace stayer Agent Bauer, one of the main chances in the Galaxy Dining Room Handicap (1600m).

Outstanding New Zealand apprentice James McDonald returns to Sydney for four rides at the meeting.

McDonald won the Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington on Saturday and he has extended his latest Australian visit to link with Randwick trainers John O'Shea, Anthony Cummings and Graeme Rogerson.