Soul Of Spain has emerged as a genuine Group 1 prospect after producing a strong victory in Friday’s Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2350m).
The progressive stayer provided trainer Chris Waller with his seventh win in the race in the past 11 years, just shy of Gai Waterhouse’s benchmark of eight. Sent out $2.45 favourite, he settled behind the leaders for Zac Lloyd before finishing powerfully along the inside to defeat Royal Supremacy ($3.90) by half a length, with stablemate Travolta ($3.40) close behind in third.
Stable spokesman Zane Jones praised the gelding’s progression this campaign, with earlier wins at Ipswich and Doomben. “Every time Chris raises the bar, he just seems to jump through it,” Jones said. “He’s got plenty of upside, he’s lightly raced, he’s continuing to build a good record. It was a run full of merit the other day, and we were under no illusions that it was a harder assignment today, but he’s passed with flying colours.”
Soul Of Spain is now into $6 equal favourite for the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) on October 4. Jockey Zac Lloyd was delighted with his mount’s adaptability. “He’s a pleasure to ride,” Lloyd said. “With such a slow tempo, I thought it could favour the other runners in the race but he quickened very well and never felt like getting beat.”
The day also saw Joseph Pride’s Headley Grange shine in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1500m), earning exemption into the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m). At $6, he broke the track record with Adam Hyeronimus aboard, continuing their outstanding partnership with five wins from six rides. “I thought if he had a weakness it was going to be firm tracks but he’s put that to bed,” Pride said. “He’s got a nomination for the Epsom so we might go to the Big Dance via the Epsom.”
Punters can back Soul Of Spain in The Metropolitan or Headley Grange in the Epsom Handicap through Australia’s top betting sites.