Classy New Zealand filly Ruud Awakening kicks off an Australian campaign at Flemington on Saturday aimed at Group One riches later in the spring.

She runs in the Domain 1100 with the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) - Australia's premier sprint for three-year-olds - her goal.

Ruud Awakening came to Australia in April as a Group One winner of the Diamond Stakes but had a nightmare debut when she ran second last in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper.

Her connections, who include All Black legend Colin Meads, put her poor performance down to the outside barrier.

She has not run since then and this time around, trainer Stephen Marsh is delighted with the Bernardini filly's gate three in the Domain 1100.

"She has drawn perfectly but she is going into the race very fresh," Marsh said.

"Basically we're using this race as a bit of a trial.

"We couldn't trial her in New Zealand because the tracks were too heavy so we are using this race as the pipe-opening for her.

"She has a lot of improvement in her."

Ruud Awakening has won five of her seven starts, including New Zealand's richest race, the Karaka Million.

On the way to the Coolmore, Marsh, son of trainer Bruce Marsh who rode Silver Knight to a Melbourne Cup victory in 1971, has pencilled in the Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 27, followed by Blue Sapphire at Caulfield on October 12.

"The Coolmore is our main aim but she would need to be flying for that race because it looks like it will be a crash hot field," he said.