Royal Insignia resumes for Saturday’s Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Sandown

Trainer Grahame Begg is excited by the return of untapped colt Royal Insignia in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.

When talented colt Royal Insignia launched at the line in his two career wins, it was very easy on the eyes of trainer Grahame Begg.

The well-built son of Written Tycoon, who is a full brother to Group 1 winner Written By, charged over the top of his rivals in victories at Kyneton and Caulfield Heath in November, demonstrating a finish just as imposing as his physical stature.

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First-up from a two-month spell on Saturday, the three-year-old colt returns to racing, and Begg is excited to unleash him for a maiden stakes tilt in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Sandown.

“I’m absolutely delighted (with him), I’m looking forward to it, and excited to see him back at the races,” Begg said.

“He’s had a couple of jumpouts leading into Saturday’s race, we are very happy with his fitness going into it, seeing as he hasn’t raced since November.

“We are very happy with him, we think he’s a very progressive horse.”

Royal Insignia comes from back within the field to win two in a row ✌️@[e-mail]/1mHgfPVHwo

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 20, 2024

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After four career starts, featuring the two wins and a third, Begg is continuing to untap what makes Royal Insignia excel, such as a liking for firmer ground over wet tracks.

Saturday’s track is currently rated a Good 4.

“One thing we’ve found is that he needs good ground, his first-up run last preparation (third) was on very heavy track at Pakenham,” he said.

“We think that he’s certainly a much better horse on good ground, that was the idea, give him a short break and have him ready to go in the early part of the autumn.”

The nine weeks between runs has seen Royal Insignia, who stands at well over sixteen hands, furnish out even more, and the extent of his potential is anyone’s guess.

“He’s certainly developed, he’s a work in progress, there’s no doubt about that, he’s still a young horse, he’s into his three-year-old year so to speak,” he said.

“He’s a very imposing looking horse, but he’s certainly strengthened and he’s got a good temperament.”

Royal Insignia winning at Caulfield Heath as his last start in November. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

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Royal Insignia will be piloted by gun hoop Jamie Mott on Saturday at Sandown’s Lakeside circuit, jumping from barrier two.

“It’s probably not ideal running at Sandown-Lakeside, he likes to relax a little bit in his races and find the line, so whether (or not) that’s the right recipe,” Begg said.

“I guess he’s drawn well, so whether they can make up the ground tomorrow if it dries out and gets to be a Good 3 or something like that.

“The pace of the race and the layout of Sandown-Lakeside may be against him – we can’t wait to get him to Flemington.”

Royal Insignia is a $6.50 chance with Sportsbet fixed odds for Saturday’s Manfred Stakes. Band Of Brothers is a $4.40 race favourite.

Originally published as Royal Insignia resumes for Saturday’s Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Sandown