Chris Waller says Soul Of Spain has come back “a different horse” as the import lines up favourite for Saturday’s Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick.
The Irish stayer, a winner up to 3300m overseas, took time to find his feet in Australia but broke through at 2200m at the end of his first campaign.
This preparation he has been a revelation, winning twice over unsuitable trips in Queensland before claiming the Newcastle Cup (2300m).
“He came across from Ireland with some pretty good form… he has just come back a different horse,” Waller said.
“He gets in very well with only a half-kilo penalty.”
Drawn 11 and carrying just 50.5kg, Soul Of Spain has firmed into $4.80, while stablemate Birdman, who drew wide in 17, has eased to $6.
Waller will also saddle More Felons, Travolta and Etna Rosso as he chases a seventh Metropolitan, having won last year with Land Legend.