Trainer Grahame Begg will use Saturday’s Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington as a guide to whether Royal Insignia presses on to a Group 1 assignment.
The entire holds a nomination for next week’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, with Begg suggesting that a strong showing this weekend could see the four-year-old back up quickly into the feature handicap.
“If he won or ran really well, you’d have to give the Rupert Clarke serious thought,” Begg said. “It’s only seven days apart, but he’s had a month between his first and second runs, so the back-up wouldn’t worry him. Otherwise, the Gilgai Stakes back at Flemington is another option.”
Royal Insignia was unsuited on a rain-affected Soft 6 track when resuming in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes, closing for third, but his overall profile suggests he is best on firmer going.
Last season he strung together an impressive winning run, starting with a Kyneton maiden before victories at Caulfield Heath and the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Sandown. He was then tried in the Australian Guineas path, running seventh in the C S Hayes Stakes before failing to stay the mile at Flemington.
Begg is confident Royal Insignia has improved from his first-up run, pointing to a sharp trial at Caulfield Heath as evidence he is on track.
“He’s prepped up beautifully,” Begg said. “The way he’s going, we’re extremely bullish. On ground with a bit of firmness, he’s a completely different horse.”
Royal Insignia will carry 53kg with Craig Williams booked for the ride.