A wide gate hasn’t dented confidence in Birdman’s chances for Saturday’s Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m), with his light weight tipped to balance out the challenge of barrier 17.

The Chris Waller-trained stayer, guided by assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth, comes into the race as one of the stable’s leading hopes despite drawing near the outside. Duckworth believes his recent form and handicap make him a major player.

Birdman finished a strong fifth in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) when lumping 59kg before storming home to win the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) with 55kg. He now drops to 51.5kg for the Metropolitan.

“He didn’t look out of place against proper weight-for-age horses in the Chelmsford and he shouldn’t have been doing that over a mile and 2000 metres,” Duckworth said.

“He was bought to win a 3200-metre race and he has been doing it over half the distance.

“I think he should still be favourite out of ours. The draw does make things harder but winning last start and the weights already being out and him not being able to be penalised for it, in theory he is so well in.”

Duckworth also pointed out that if Birdman lined up in the Bart Cummings, he’d be asked to carry 58.5kg, highlighting how well off he is in the handicaps at Randwick.

Birdman shares early favouritism with stablemate Soul Of Spain, who drew gate 11. Travolta (barrier 1) and Etna Rosso (barrier 2) look set to enjoy soft runs, while More Felons faces the toughest task from the outside alley.

The ultimate aim for Birdman remains the Melbourne Cup.

“(Owner) Ozzie Kheir bought him with that in mind,” Duckworth said. “He needed to win a race this spring to get into the Cup and he’s done that now, and if he can win this then he guarantees his shot at it.”

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