Possible Clues:

• Guaranteed to be definitely in the final
• Made certain of being safe in the end
• Clinched it with a confident last round
• In the end it's certain to be made certain
• Guaranteed safe when in extremity
• A confident last round clinched it
• Not quite ticked off, but not left to chance
• Made certain to be covered, getting new top
• Followed outside right as warranted
• Determined - though certain to come in last