Emerging colt Shangri La Boy stamped himself as one to watch this spring, powering to an all-the-way victory in the $500,000 Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
A half-brother to former star juvenile Storm Boy, the son of Pierro ($4.60) dictated terms under Adam Hyeronimus before pulling clear to beat The Pearls ($61) by two lengths, with San Giovanni ($20) running third. His next assignment will be the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on October 18.
“He’s obviously got some true staying capabilities,” Bott said. “Storm Boy’s a great sprinter, but this horse has always looked more of a stayer. This is his first prep — third start — and to get to 1800m and win like that is very encouraging.”
Bott said the colt’s potential was clear early on. “Right from the yearling stage, he looked like a classic horse,” he said. “He’s got the physical scope and temperament to keep improving.”
The performance confirmed Shangri La Boy’s stamina and Bott said the stable would likely press on to the Spring Champion. “I think we have to, based on how he won,” Bott said. “It was a good test — 1400m up to 1800m in just 10 days — and he handled it beautifully.”
Rider Adam Hyeronimus, who has partnered the colt throughout, was full of praise. “He finds his rhythm quickly,” he said. “He’s relaxed, has a great stride, and a really sharp turn of foot. He’s improving every start.”
Shangri La Boy now shares the $6 second line of betting for the Spring Champion Stakes, behind favourite Attica at $3.50. For full markets, see Australia’s leading betting sites.
