Jockey Adam Hyeronimus is optimistic about a return to winning form with Shangri La Boy as they team up again for the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes over 2000 metres at Rosehill on Saturday. Hyeronimus, who has a strong history with the Pierro colt, believes all indicators point towards a solid performance.
Shangri La Boy’s recent campaign has seen him struggle to replicate his earlier successes. His first-up run in the Hobartville Stakes over 1400 metres saw him lead early before fading significantly, finishing more than seven lengths behind the winner. A subsequent run in the Phar Lap Stakes over 1500 metres saw a slight improvement, but he still finished three lengths off the pace.
Now, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper faces the 2000-metre challenge of the Tulloch Stakes as his third run this preparation. He’s currently listed as the second favourite at $3.90, trailing only Arcora at $2.80.
Hyeronimus was aboard Shangri La Boy for his initial trials and his first three career starts, which included an impressive maiden victory and a dominant two-length win in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes over 1800 metres back in October. This Gloaming Stakes triumph marked Hyeronimus’s last ride on the colt before he went on to finish second in the prestigious Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes over the same 2000-metre distance.
With barrier five for Saturday’s contest, Hyeronimus is confident Shangri La Boy can rebound from his two unplaced efforts this season.
“He’s done really well. His work through the week was really good,” Hyeronimus commented, fresh off a win in the Birthday Card Stakes on Catch The Glory at the end of last week’s Golden Slipper day.
“He seems very happy and I expect him to run a really good race.
“Probably the first two runs have been below his par, but I expect him to bounce back.”
Plagiarism Faces Wide Barrier in TL Baillieu Handicap
Another promising contender for Hyeronimus and the Waterhouse-Bott stable is Plagiarism, who will contest the Group 3 TL Baillieu Handicap over 1400 metres. The Written By colt, who showed promise when finishing third in the Golden Gift, was a late scratching from the Pago Pago Stakes, a key Golden Slipper qualifier, two weeks prior due to a mild temperature.
Despite drawing the widest barrier, gate 16, Plagiarism is rated a $3.80 chance in the TL Baillieu Handicap. Hyeronimus partnered Plagiarism in his most recent outing, where the colt finished a length behind the winner in the Skyline Stakes over 1200 metres. The jockey anticipates that Plagiarism will appreciate the step up in distance.
“He’s drawn off the track, which is unfortunate,” Hyeronimus stated.
“A few weeks between runs and I think he’d really appreciate 1400.
“He seems like that after his last run, but hopefully he doesn’t have too tough a run from the wide barrier because it’s his first time over 1400.”
A Busy Day for Hyeronimus
Hyeronimus’s book of rides for Saturday is extensive, featuring several other notable mounts:
- Aisle Two ($34): Competing in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes over 2000 metres.
- Our Gold Hope ($34): Racing in the fourth event, trained by Robert and Luke Price.
- Kerguelen: Unfortunately, this ride in the Star Kingdom Stakes was scratched on Thursday.
- Les Vampires ($81): Hyeronimus renews his association with Les Vampires in the Group 2 Neville Sellwood Stakes. He regularly rode the five-year-old when he was under the care of Waterhouse and Bott. Now trained by Lucy Longmire, Hyeronimus was back aboard Les Vampires for his last start, where the horse finished last in the National Sprint over 1400 metres at Canberra.
Regarding Les Vampires, Hyeronimus is hopeful for an improved showing. “It’ll run a good race. The 2000 metres really suits him,” he said. “He hated the track at Canberra the other day. It was disgraceful and he couldn’t pick his feet up. Where he finished wasn’t a reflection of where I probably think he’s at, but he needs to really improve going into this run. It’s a tough race, but the 2000m could be a bit of a springboard to the Wagga Cup.”
