Grahame Begg is eager for better track conditions at Flemington after the heavy rain that hampered racing over a week ago.

While Cilacap secured a win late in the day, Royal Insignia struggled in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) on February 15 due to the wet surface.

This Saturday, Royal Insignia will race in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), while Cilacap will wait for the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) the following week.

“Royal Insignia is going to the Australian Guineas, Cilacap is definitely not,” Begg stated.

“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 noted that Royal Insignia was out of contention early in the C S Hayes Stakes due to the conditions.

“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.”

Despite the setback, Begg remains confident in Royal Insignia’s form and training.

“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 listed at $11 in betting for the Australian Guineas, while Angel Capital is the $3.50 favourite and Sepals sits at $5.50 according to online betting sites.