Grahame Begg acknowledges Royal Insignia is up against it as he heads back to Flemington for his third run this campaign.

The sprinter has drawn midfield for Saturday’s Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m), which has attracted a field of 16 plus an emergency.

At his last start, Royal Insignia was fourth in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Stakes (1200m) on September 13, when he carried just 53kg from barrier three. This time, however, he rises sharply to 58.5kg under set-weights and penalties conditions.

As a result, Star Patrol — who beat him home in the Bobbie Lewis — enjoys a 3.5kg turnaround at the weights.

Even so, Begg is happy with how his four-year-old is coming to hand and says more consistent racing is the key.

“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 hopeful of a Good 4 track rating or better on Saturday as Royal Insignia aims to break through at Flemington. Craig Williams, who rode him in the Bobbie Lewis, will again be in the saddle.

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