From RACING POST in Hong KongTalented five-year-old Groovy has been a handful for most of his jockeys, but the return of Brett Prebble can pave the way to a return to the winner's circle for the gelding in the Hong Kong Golf Club Centenary Cup (1,200m) tonight at Happy Valley. Groovy has a modest winning record of one from 11 starts but probably that would read better if his ability was matched by a more tractable attitude. Often slow to begin, the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained Groovy can prove

From RACING POST in Hong Kong

Talented five-year-old Groovy has been a handful for most of his jockeys, but the return of Brett Prebble can pave the way to a return to the winner's circle for the gelding in the Hong Kong Golf Club Centenary Cup (1,200m) tonight at Happy Valley. Groovy has a modest winning record of one from 11 starts but probably that would read better if his ability was matched by a more tractable attitude.

Often slow to begin, the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained Groovy can prove a difficult ride even when he does begin reasonably well, throwing his head in the air and wrestling his riders during the race.

First-up for this season, 10-pound claimer Alvin Ng Ka-chun was thrown to the wolves when legged up on to the mischievous gelding, with the not unpredictable result that Groovy was left behind when the gates opened.

Nevertheless, he found the line strongly to grab third place behind Time After Time over this trip. Prebble seems to get on as well with Groovy as any rider has - a win and a second from his two rides say a great deal, and Prebble has also had more luck than any jockey in getting the gelding to begin well and in calming his nervous ways during the run.

That looks important, as Danewin Winning and Loads Of Joy look likely to have the lead between themselves and, unless these two go crazy, the pace may not be enough for horses which miss the gate and have to come from last.

The John Size-trained The Wand (Douglas Whyte) looks the obvious danger and, unlike his rival, he has been consistent and sensible in his five starts. (www.racing.scmp.com)

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