Yip gives Noisy Boy the stamina edge in Cup

2024 BMW Hong Kong Derby-winning trainer Dennis Yip is expecting a forward showing again from Noisy Boy when the son of Real Steel lines up in Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.

Noisy Boy comes to the Hong Kong Classic Cup with fine form, winning his recent two starts over 2200m and 2000m, and Yip believes stamina will be the key in Sunday’s race where he believes Noisy Boy could have a staying edge and he is hopeful the horse can bring him his first Hong Kong Classic Cup honour.

Yip said: “He is the only runner in the field to have won 2000m or above in Hong Kong, and, in fact, the majority of the runners has yet to prove their stamina. As the Classic Cup is run over 1800m, the race can be a great challenge to some of the horses, distance-wise.”

“He is the one that keeps on improving and is currently in good form. The horse he beat last time (Winning Dragon) just finished fourth in a Group 1 race last weekend and obviously that had boosted the form of my horse,” Yip added.

Yip is also pleased with Noisy Boy’s recent trial performance, passing the post first in a 1700m trial at Happy Valley in fine style on 15 February.

“There was no suitable race for him last month (February) and as such I arranged a trial for him to keep him to have some works to do,” Yip said. “This was the same approach as last time, as he also trialled at Happy Valley before he won in January. This time he also trialled beautifully. He held his condition well and further improved,” Yip said.

“After winning last start Andrea (Atzeni) has said he will ride for me again this time, and he will be also the one to ride my horse in the Derby.

“He will go straight to the Derby after the Class Cup this weekend,” Yip said. Noisy Boy will jump from barrier 12 in Sunday’s race.

The Hong Kong Classic Cup field also includes My Wish, winner of the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), and Packing Hermod, Rubylot, Divano, Johannes Brahms, Stunning Peach, Mickley, Cap Ferrat, Californiatotality, Packing Angel, Mondial, Steps Ahead and Sky Trust.

Sunday’s feature is the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series which culminates in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 23 March. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Justifying a newcomer who won both trials impressively ahead of his debut, he looks a leading contender in this field. Grand Nova caught the eye flashing home late last start and must be included among the better chances with James McDonald aboard. Summit Cheers can cause an upset on his day and is worth considering as a value choice. Ka Ying Resilience still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in a race of this nature. Super Strong Kid has trialled well for his debut and the betting market will tell the story.

Race 2: Ragnarr looks ready to run a big race in Class 5 after a few solid efforts in Class 4 and should be highly competitive in the cellar grade. Flying Phantom ran on well late last time out, and with Ryan Moore taking the reins, he can make amends. Falcon Court scored an easy win on the AWT in this class last start and remains a strong chance despite switching back to turf. Ho Ho Star scored an overdue maiden win last time out and should run well again from a decent draw. Speedy Chariot stormed home for a slashing third despite a slow start last time and must be respected with Craig Williams aboard.

Race 3: Fighting Machine finished strongly into second from a wide draw last start, and with Joao Moreira on board, he is poised to go one better from a better draw. Never Peter Out has been a revelation since racing on the AWT surface and is now aiming for a fourth straight win. Perfect Team a proven performer at this level, he should deliver a solid performance if he gets some luck to offset an awkward draw. Yellowfin capable but unpredictable, he can upset more fancied rivals on his day, having won three times in this class. Endeared had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire.

Race 4: Laserblanca showed promise with an eye-catching third on debut and is primed to break through with added experience. Master Phoenix has trialled well to maintain his form since an impressive win last start, and a double looks within his reach Loving Vibes was narrowly beaten into second last start, and from a better draw, he could go one better. Island Breezes ran the third fastest final 400m sectional time last start and could surprise at odds under the right race shape. Ballistic Win was held up at a crucial stage last start, and his previous form suggests he can bounce back anytime in Class 4.

Race 5: Master Trillion is coming off a slashing second over this track and distance and must be considered a leading contender with Moreira aboard. Lucky Fionn looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He appears to get all the favours, making him hard to ignore. Sight Dreamer has trialled well since his solid debut effort, and further improvement is expected. Lean Master with his tactical speed, he is ideally placed with a 10-pound claimer to run a big race, provided he can see out the 1400m trip. Good Luck Babe showed good speed to lead last start and could place at odds.

Race 6: Precision Goal a natural front-runner in career-best form, he is primed for a hat-trick with a favourable draw. Lucky Touch finished one length behind Precision Goal last start. Now 7lb better off, but a wide draw makes things a bit tricky. Viva Chaleur caught the eye last start when running home well. He will make his presence felt if they overcook it up front. Lucky Banner a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead. Lakeshore Hero had genuine excuses last start and could improve into the money with a smoother run.

Race 7: Packing Angel a highly progressive horse, he has scored his last three starts in emphatic fashion. From pole position, he should enjoy a perfect run and prove hard to beat with Moreira flying in for the ride. Stunning Peach finished seventh in a G3 feature last start and is likely to find this more manageable, returning to his own age group. My Wish scored an impressive win in the Classic Mile last start and must be rated a strong contender. Packing Hermod one of the best 4YOs this season, he remains a leading chance despite the awkward draw, following a solid third-place finish in the Classic Mile. Steps Ahead scored a strong on-pace win over this distance last start and could prove to be a knockout chance.

Race 8: Young Champion has what it takes to bounce back anytime in this class and looks well placed to score in this field. Healthy Happy has tactical speed and could be hard to run down with a 7-pound claimer aboard. Ramadan will relish the drop to Class 2 from a G1 feature and should produce an improved effort. Dancing Code caught the eye flashing home late last time out and must be respected with Ryan Moore aboard. Lucy In The Sky could place at value with a lightweight on his back and is not out of it.

Race 9: Naval Force finished a solid fifth last start and the extra distance should work in his favour, given his eye-catching overseas record. Pray For Mir sat on pace and finished a close second last start. He could be hard to catch with a well-timed ride. Sharpen Bright a consistent stayer, he gets in well at the weights and should figure in the finish. Definitive his recent runs have been encouraging, but the wide draw remains a concern this time. Midori Giant well-weighted and with Craig Williams on board, he could surprise at value.

Race 10: Call Me Glorious should be highly suited by the drop back to 1200m, where he is already a three-time winner, and getting the services of Moreira ticks another box. Meowth had genuine excuses last start and is worth giving another chance, based on his previous form. Glory Elite a dangerous front-runner, he should map well from a good draw and go close to winning. Masterofmyuniverse caught the eye running home powerfully last start and will make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Fast Network has a great record in this class and must be respected.