Trainer Grahame Begg will use Saturday’s Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington as a guide to Royal Insignia’s spring path.

A strong showing could see the four-year-old back up quickly into the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield the following week, while the Gilgai Stakes looms as the alternative.

“If he won, or ran really well, you’d have to think about backing him up into the Rupert Clarke,” Begg said.

Royal Insignia struggled on a Soft 6 when resuming in the Regal Roller Stakes but closed strongly for third. He has since trialled well at Caulfield Heath.

The entire showed talent last season with wins in the Manfred Stakes and earlier Caulfield Heath success before his Australian Guineas campaign.

“He’s prepped up beautifully… we’re extremely bullish,” Begg said.

Craig Williams will ride with 53kg on Saturday.