Progressive import adds Soul to 2025 Metropolitan Handicap
Chris Waller admits Soul Of Spain has been the revelation of this campaign, with the Metropolitan favourite returning to the yard “a different horse”.
A winner to 3300m in Ireland, the gelding’s first local prep featured good runs over a mile and 2000m before he finally struck pay dirt when raised to 2200m at its close.
Fresh this time, he posted back-to-back Queensland wins at trips short of his best, then translated that form to stakes level with a strong success in the Newcastle Cup (2300m).
Now he stretches to 2400m for Saturday’s Group 1 Metropolitan at Randwick, where he carries a featherweight 50.5kg.
“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).”
Both Soul Of Spain and stablemate Birdman opened equal favourites, but after drawing 11 and 17 respectively on Tuesday, Soul Of Spain tightened to $4.80 while Birdman drifted to $6.
Birdman’s résumé includes a 2600m win overseas and a second in the autumn’s Chairman’s Handicap (2600m), although his sole Australian victory to date came at 2000m in the Kingston Town Stakes last start.
“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.”
Waller’s Metropolitan squad is rounded out by More Felons, Travolta and Etna Rosso as he chases a seventh win in the feature, his latest coming last year when Land Legend narrowly denied Zardozi.
If you’re betting on The Metropolitan, line up the best betting sites, popular betting apps and trusted Australian bookmakers for value.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...