Five weeks ago, Shangri La Boy hadn’t even seen a racetrack — now the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt is poised to contest the $2 million Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.

The son of Pierro has rocketed through the grades since his debut third at Canterbury in September, adding a Rosehill maiden win before leading throughout to claim the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m). Bott believes the rising star has continued to thrive despite the rapid progression.

“He was excellent in the Gloaming — up in distance and class — and handled it like a seasoned horse,” Bott said. “He’s in great shape and keeps improving. I think he’ll love the 2000 metres at Randwick.”

Shangri La Boy is a half-brother to former stablemate Storm Boy, the Magic Millions winner and Golden Slipper placegetter now standing at Coolmore. But Bott says their profiles are poles apart. “He’s a stayer through and through, much more relaxed and suited to distance racing,” he said.

Among his likely rivals in the Spring Champion are Attica and Champagne Hero from the Joe Pride stable. Bott noted that Champagne Hero endured a luckless run in the Gloaming. “He was held up at vital stages but can bounce back with a clearer run,” he said.

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