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Stephen McKee can enjoy a smooth run into the country’s richest event with the unbeaten Tennessee.

While rival trainers may be chasing stake money for a spot in the Listed Karaka Million at Ellerslie on January 24, the Ardmore horseman has already bagged two early strikes with the filly to guarantee her starting place.

“She’s just gliding along so we’re in no panic now to top her off,” said McKee, who prepares the speedy youngster with Eddie Chippendale.

“The Eclipse Stakes will probably be her next race and I might look to trial her if I can find one somewhere.”

Tennessee was a debut winner over 880 metres at Ruakaka, where she beat the subsequent winner Caorunn, before she successfully stepped up to 1100 metres in the Listed Wellesley Stakes.

In the hands of stable rider Sam Spratt, the front-running daughter of Per Incanto showed her fighting qualities at Trentham after being headed in the straight.

“She had three weeks off after that and she has been back in the stable for a fortnight,” McKee said. “She’s coming along nicely again.”

Tennessee was a $24,000 Karaka purchase for McKee’s father Trevor, who has remained in her ownership with a group of owners that includes Sir Colin Meads. The rugby icon was also a member of the syndicate that raced the 2013 Karaka Million winner Ruud Awakening.

Meanwhile, Tennessee’s in-form stablemate Consensus will drop back to 1600 metres for her next appearance in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes on Saturday.

She completed a hat-trick of wins in the Gr.3 Sofitel Luxury Hotels Stakes before finishing fourth from the outside gate in the Gr.3 Counties Cup.

“She had a quiet week after that to freshen her for the fillies and mares’ mile at Te Rapa,” McKee said.