Riccarton trainer Meg Cunneen is hoping to break new ground this week by securing her first stakes win on her home track.

Cunneen will produce promising US Navy Flag two-year-old filly Semper Supra in the Listed Berkley Stud Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton on Saturday

Semper Supra has drawn barrier seven for the nine-horse Champagne Stakes but Cunneen sees few negatives with that gate.

"Just the way the track is with recent racing, it could be a little bit better out wider so we're not worried about the draw. We'll stick to what she knows and be pushing forward," Cunneen said.

"She's just a natural racehorse. Even in her trackwork, she's the ultra-professional; she just wants to be there. She's pretty small but she's got a big attitude and tries really hard."

Cunneen said Semper Supra would spell after Saturday's race with a view to three-year-old fillies racing at Riccarton in the spring.

"She'll head straight to the paddock after this one and we'll probably target the Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200, Listed at Riccarton in September) next season. 

“We don't know whether she'll see out the mile of the 1000 Guineas (1600m, Gr.1 at Riccarton in November) but they're only three once so we'll give it a go." 

 
-NZ Racing Desk