Shangri La Boy mans up in maiden win

While Shangri La Boy may lack the physical resemblance of his high-profile brother Storm Boy, the colt is beginning to make his own mark on the track.

The three-year-old registered his first victory with a front-running display in the TAB Plate (1400m) at Rosehill on Wednesday, atoning for his debut defeat as favourite at Canterbury last month.

Rider Adam Hyeronimus, who guided Storm Boy to victories in the 2024 Magic Millions Classic and San Domenico Stakes, said Shangri La Boy may not mirror his sibling’s style but still impressed.

“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.”

Shangri La Boy ($7.50) set the pace and proved too strong, defeating Nordic Viking ($9) by 2-1/4 lengths, with Providence ($3.30 fav) third.

Co-trainer Adrian Bott said the colt had needed time to learn his trade but was now showing why the stable had been patient.

“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.”

Also on the program, Ripley, a $625,000 son of Too Darn Hot, broke through in the United Resource Management Handicap (1200m) for Ciaron Maher. The colt, who holds a nomination for the Caulfield Guineas (1600m), stamped himself as one to watch.

“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) accounted for Onmalone ($12) by two lengths with Chicama ($6) a neck behind in third place.

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