An outside gate hasn’t shaken confidence in Birdman’s chances in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m), with his light weight expected to offset the challenge.

The Chris Waller-trained stayer jumps from barrier 17 but drops to just 51.5kg after winning the Kingston Town Stakes last start under 55kg. That followed a strong Chelmsford Stakes fifth when lumping 59kg.

Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said the step up in trip was exactly what Birdman had been purchased for.

“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… if he was in The Bart Cummings he’d be carrying 58-1/2 kilos and here he’s carrying 51-1/2. He is arguably seven kilos well in.”

Birdman is one of five Waller runners, sharing early favouritism with Soul Of Spain, while victory would lock in his Melbourne Cup start.