Royal Insignia out to rebound at Flemington

Royal Insignia will chase his first Flemington victory this weekend, though trainer Grahame Begg admits conditions won’t be in his favour.

The gelding lines up in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, having drawn a middle gate in a capacity field.

He was last seen finishing fourth in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Stakes (1200m) on September 13, carrying 53kg from barrier three. This time, however, he jumps to 58.5kg under set-weights and penalties.

That weight rise sees him disadvantaged compared with Star Patrol, who finished ahead of him in the Bobbie Lewis and now meets him 3.5kg better.

Despite the challenge, Begg says Royal Insignia has come through his runs in excellent order and is looking for continuity.

“I don’t think he was advantaged being on the inside of them last time,” Begg said. “I’m not a big fan of them being on the inside down the Flemington straight, but the horse, he’s going really well.

“He’s not as advantaged at the weights this time around because the Bobbie Lewis was a quality handicap and the Gilgai is set weights and penalties.

“He looks fantastic, but the problem with him is that you can’t get continuity in races. He went a month between his first and second up runs and he then has gone three weeks again for his next run.”

Begg is keen to see a Good 4 track or firmer at Flemington to give his sprinter every chance. Craig Williams, aboard last start, continues his partnership with the horse.

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