Chris Waller is the first to admit Metropolitan favourite Soul Of Spain has been a surprise packet this preparation, declaring the import has returned to work âa different horseâ.
A winner up to 3300m in Ireland, the geldingâs first two Australian starts were over a mile and 2000m and while he ran well, it wasnât until Waller stepped him up to 2200m at the final start of his initial Australian campaign that he got a win on the board.
This time in, he has managed a brace of victories over unsuitable trips in Queensland before making a successful transition to stakes company with victory in the Newcastle Cup (2300m).
Waller expects Soul Of Spain to be even better suited over the 2400m of Saturdayâs Group 1 Metropolitan at Randwick where he has just 50.5kg.
âHe came across from Ireland with some pretty good form,â Waller said.
âFirst 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.
âHe gets in very well with only a half-kilo penalty (for winning at Newcastle).â
Soul Of Spain and stablemate Birdman were equal Metropolitan favourites earlier this week but since Tuesdayâs barrier draw, the former has firmed into $4.80 after landing gate 11 while Birdman, who has gate 17, is a $6 chance.
While Birdman has won over 2600m overseas and finished runner-up in the Chairmanâs Handicap over the same distance in the autumn, his only Australian win has been over the 2000m of the Kingston Town Stakes last start.
Waller says his top two seeds are difficult to line up as Birdman has solid weight-for-age form in Sydney, while Birdman has proven his stamina over here.
âBirdman has got the Sydney form. Heâs got good, sharp form whereas Soul Of Spain, all weâre going off is Newcastle,â Waller said.
âSoul Of Spain will definitely run the distance. Birdman should run the distance. I guess thatâs the only difference, that Soul Of Spain has ticked that box.â
The pair will be joined in the Metropolitan by stablemates More Felons, Travolta and Etna Rosso as Waller hunts for his seventh win in the staying feature.
His most recent came 12 months ago when Land Legend edged out Zardozi in a thrilling finish.