Weight right for Birdman despite wide 2025 Metropolitan Handicap draw

Birdman will have to overcome barrier 17 in Saturday’s Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m), but Team Waller believe his lightweight of 51.5kg gives him a winning chance.

Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said the stable remained upbeat about the gelding’s prospects despite the wide alley, pointing to his strong form and ideal handicap conditions.

Two runs into his spring, Birdman ran a brave fifth in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) under 59kg before nabbing the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) with 55kg. Now, he drops 3.5kg 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 explained that Birdman would be carrying much more in the Bart Cummings in Melbourne, showing why the handicap conditions at Randwick play in his favour.

Birdman is one of five stable representatives in the race. Soul Of Spain is another leading contender from gate 11, while Travolta and Etna Rosso drew perfectly in barriers one and two. More Felons, returning from injury, faces a stiff test from the widest draw.

The long-term goal for Birdman is the Melbourne Cup, with Saturday’s performance set to decide his path.

“(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.”

For those backing a horse in the Metropolitan, compare the best odds across Australia’s leading betting sites and most trusted online bookmakers.