Shangri La Boy may not have the same imposing presence as his older sibling Storm Boy, but he’s starting to build a reputation of his own after a dominant win at Rosehill.
The three-year-old bounced back from a first-up defeat at Canterbury to lead all the way in Wednesday’s TAB Plate (1400m), securing his maiden success in style.
Jockey Adam Hyeronimus, who partnered Storm Boy to feature wins in the 2024 Magic Millions Classic and San Domenico Stakes, said Shangri La Boy was cut from a different cloth but still possessed plenty of talent.
“He was a very beautiful horse, Storm Boy. It’s hard to find horses that look like him,” Hyeronimus said.
“But he’s got his own good attributes this horse. He is (by) Pierro, which might need blinkers in time. But what he’s doing at the moment is very nice and I like the way he handles himself.
“He’s so casual, so relaxed, nothing ever bothers him and I’m sure he will build off the back of today’s win.”
Starting at $7.50, Shangri La Boy dictated terms before kicking away to beat Nordic Viking ($9) by 2-1/4 lengths, with Providence ($3.30 fav) back in third.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott said the colt had been a slow learner, requiring five trials before debuting, but believed Wednesday’s win was only the beginning.
“He’s going to be a horse that will keep improving as we get out over further. We are just beginning to scratch the surface with his ability,” Bott said.
“We will look to test him. How far we can take him this preparation, I’m not sure, but he’s well and truly got those steps to take in terms of his career.”
On the same card, Ripley, a $625,000 Too Darn Hot colt, impressed in the United Resource Management Handicap (1200m) for trainer Ciaron Maher. Holding a Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) nomination, he won comfortably and will now be aimed at higher levels.
“First ‘prep’ I probably expected a little bit more but it just didn’t come to hand for him,” Maher said. “He’s a colt. He’s by the right stallion so hopefully he keeps progressing the right way and he probably stretches out a bit further now.”
Ripley ($3.40 fav) defeated Onmalone ($12) by two lengths with Chicama ($6) another neck away.
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