Grahame Begg excited by Royal Insignia in Manfred Stakes

After a short break, talented three-year-old Royal Insignia is set to tackle Stakes company in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Sandown this Saturday.

Trainer Grahame Begg has high hopes for the colt, who is a full brother to Written By, the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner turned stallion. However, Begg is quick to point out that the two siblings are vastly different in both temperament and racing style.

“This horse has the best nature,” Begg said.

“He was going to be a bit of a larrikin, but he turned the corner, amazingly, and is a completely different horse with a great outlook on things.

“Written By was a sprinter, whereas this guy is a bigger, hulking version, an attractive horse, and certainly nowhere near as hot as the other one.”

A Promising Career Ahead

While Written By retired at the end of his three-year-old season, Royal Insignia is just starting to show his potential. After one start as a two-year-old, the colt broke through with wins at Kyneton and Caulfield Heath in November. His last outing saw him claim a benchmark 64 race at Caulfield Heath on November 20.

Now, Begg is eager to see how the progressive colt measures up against tougher competition.

“I’m looking forward to him going to the races again as we think he’s a pretty progressive horse,” Begg said.

“He’s had a bit of a break since his win on the Caulfield Heath as there were no races for him, so we turned him out with these types of races coming up quite early.

“I’m a bit disappointed it’s gone to Sandown Lakeside, but he’s drawn well, and I think he’s a very exciting horse.”

Looking to the Future

Saturday’s Manfred Stakes will serve as a stepping stone for Royal Insignia, with Begg eyeing a run in the C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington as the next target.

“Hopefully after Saturday, he can go on to the C S Hayes Stakes at Flemington over 1400 metres. He looks like a Flemington horse as he relaxes in his races, and he’s got a good turn of foot,” Begg said.

Beyond that, Begg is confident the colt can stretch out to 1600m and has earmarked the Group 1 Australian Guineas in March as a possible goal.

“We think he will get a mile, which is exciting, but we’re really looking forward to seeing him back at the races on Saturday, even though it’s a huge rise in grade from winning a 64 last time,” Begg said.

Excitement Builds

With his relaxed nature, strong turn of foot, and untapped potential, Royal Insignia is shaping up as a horse to watch this autumn. His performance on Saturday will provide valuable insight into just how far he can go in what promises to be an exciting career.