Chris Waller says Metropolitan favourite Soul Of Spain has surprised even the stable this preparation, noting the import has returned to work looking like “a different horse”.

A stayer proven to 3300m in Ireland, Soul Of Spain’s first two Australian runs came at a mile and 2000m—solid efforts without a win—before breaking through at 2200m at the end of his initial local campaign.

This time around he strung together two Queensland wins over seemingly unsuitable trips, then stepped up to stakes grade with a decisive victory in the Newcastle Cup (2300m).

Waller expects the 2400m of Saturday’s Group 1 Metropolitan at Randwick to be even more in his wheelhouse, especially with just 50.5kg to carry.

“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).”

Early in the week Soul Of Spain shared favouritism with stablemate Birdman, but after Tuesday’s draw he firmed to $4.80 from barrier 11, while Birdman, out in gate 17, is a $6 chance.

Birdman owns a 2600m victory overseas and was runner-up in the autumn’s Chairman’s Handicap (2600m), though his only Australian success so far 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.”

They’re joined by stablemates More Felons, Travolta and Etna Rosso as Waller bids for a seventh Metropolitan, having last scored 12 months ago when Land Legend edged out Zardozi in a thriller.

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