Chris Waller freely concedes Metropolitan favourite Soul Of Spain has exceeded expectations this prep, saying the import has returned “a different horse”.
A proven stayer to 3300m in Ireland, the gelding’s first two Australian appearances came over a mile and 2000m—solid without winning—before he finally broke through at 2200m at the end of his debut local campaign.
This time in, he strung together two victories over seemingly unsuitable trips in Queensland, then successfully graduated to stakes grade by taking out the Newcastle Cup (2300m).
Waller is confident the step to 2400m for Saturday’s Group 1 Metropolitan at Randwick will suit even better, especially with just 50.5kg on his back.
“He came across from Ireland with some pretty good form,” Waller said.
“First prep we never really got him up to a distance until he won his last start before a spell and he has just come back a different horse.
“He gets in very well with only a half-kilo penalty (for winning at Newcastle).”
Soul Of Spain and stablemate Birdman shared early favouritism, but after Tuesday’s draw the former firmed to $4.80 from barrier 11, while Birdman, who drew 17, sits at $6.
Birdman has a win at 2600m overseas and was runner-up in the Chairman’s Handicap (2600m) in the autumn, though his lone Australian victory so far came at 2000m in the Kingston Town Stakes last start. Waller says the pair are tricky to compare: Birdman brings strong Sydney weight-for-age form, whereas Soul Of Spain has recently proven his stamina here.
“Birdman has got the Sydney form. He’s got good, sharp form whereas Soul Of Spain, all we’re going off is Newcastle,” Waller said.
“Soul Of Spain will definitely run the distance. Birdman should run the distance. I guess that’s the only difference, that Soul Of Spain has ticked that box.”
The stable’s Metropolitan hand also includes More Felons, Travolta and Etna Rosso as Waller chases a seventh victory in the race—his latest coming 12 months ago when Land Legend edged out Zardozi in a thriller.
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