Dennis Yip is aiming for back-to-back victories in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 23 March, as he sends out NOISY BOY in the prestigious third and final leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
Having captured the 2024 Derby with MASSIVE SOVEREIGN, Yip remains optimistic about NOISY BOY’s ability to rebound after his underwhelming 13th-place finish in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) behind RUBYLOT. Despite that result, Yip sees promise in his charge, particularly given that NOISY BOY is the only horse in the 2025 Derby field to have previously won over the 2000m course and distance. That victory came when he defeated WINNING DRAGON, who subsequently finished fourth in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), adding weight to the form.
Reflecting on NOISY BOY’s last start, Yip pointed to race circumstances as a key factor in the defeat. “He was the victim of how the race unfolded,” he explained. “I had instructed the jockey to settle him in third or fourth, or take a soft lead if the pace was slow. But after jumping quickly, he couldn’t cut across and had to use up energy early. His first three sectionals (13.82s, 21.69s, and 23.85s) were a bit too fast for him.”
Looking ahead to the Derby, Yip is hopeful of a more favorable scenario. “With on-pace runners like BEAUTY ALLIANCE in the field, he should be able to follow the leaders more comfortably this time. If he can settle well early, he’ll be very competitive. He’s a very fit horse and the only one in the field with a win over this distance,” he said.
A proven performer over staying trips, NOISY BOY previously finished second in the G2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and eighth in the G1 Australian Derby (2400m) before being imported to Hong Kong. He has since won twice from five local starts, including a 2200m victory at Happy Valley before claiming his 2000m success in January.
Yip has enlisted CHRISTOPHE SOUMILLON to take the ride on Sunday. “Christophe has plenty of big-race experience and provides a very detailed post-race report, which is invaluable. I’m not too worried about the draw, but anything between one and six would be ideal,” he noted.
NOISY BOY continued his Derby preparation with an 800m turf gallop in 52.4s (28.9s and 23.5s) on Monday, 17 March, leaving Yip satisfied with his progress heading into the big day.
Among his expected rivals, Yip highlighted MY WISH as a key threat. “In the Hong Kong Classic Cup, MY WISH chased a fast pace but still finished strongly in the straight. That makes him one of the major contenders for this year’s Derby,” he said.
With confidence in his horse’s stamina and track record, Yip will be hoping NOISY BOY can deliver another Derby triumph and etch his name into Hong Kong racing history.
