Trainer Grahame Begg is hoping for improved weather conditions at Flemington after enduring heavy rain just over a week ago.
Despite celebrating a win with Cilacap late in the day, Begg watched Royal Insignia struggle on the wet track in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) on February 15.
Royal Insignia will return to Flemington on Saturday for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), while Cilacap will be saved for the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) the following week.
“Royal Insignia is going to the Australian Guineas, Cilacap is definitely not,” Begg confirmed.
“A few had been saying she was going to the Guineas, but she’s definitely not, and she’ll be going to the Kewney to run against the fillies at set-weights.
“I’m looking for a better track for Royal Insignia as he’s hopeless on wet ground.”
Begg explained that Royal Insignia struggled early in the 1400m C S Hayes contest, highlighting his preference for firmer ground.
“We took him to Pakenham on a heavy track and he was hopeless there, his wheels just spin,” Begg said.
“Craig (Williams) said he was gone at the 1000 (metres) the other day, and to his credit, he ran seventh.
“He said under the circumstances it was a great run.”
Begg assured that Royal Insignia had recovered well and had been training strongly since.
“It’s a winnable race on Saturday and he’ll be in it up to his ears,” Begg said.
“We were so happy with him going into that race, but it was a deteriorating track. It was a (Slow) seven at the time, but everyone said it was an eight.
“He hasn’t lost anything, so hopefully we can bounce back, and I think he’s a Group 1 horse, if not now, but certainly next time in.”
Royal Insignia is currently priced at $11 in betting for the Australian Guineas, with Angel Capital leading the market at $3.50 and Sepals at $5.50 according to online betting sites.