But it could also give him his biggest winning cheque if Harry Hill can down some more experienced rivals in the $75,000 Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton today.
Cuneen (23) took up riding over the hurdles this season and has claimed two victories on Harry Hill in the lead-up to today's 4200m feature as he gets to grips with jumps riding.
''A lot of riders probably go too early - it's definitely helped me with my flat riding anyway by riding over the jumps,'' Cuneen said.
''Everything's slowed down for me - I can see things a lot better and I can see gaps, which has really helped.
''You can read the race a bit better.''
That new-found attribute will be crucial for Cuneen when he teams up with the 9yr-old son of Danzighill over their longest journey together to date.
Cuneen and Harry Hill won at Wingatui on June 25 on a heavy track over 2700m and stepped up to win over 3000m at Timaru on July 10.
''I think he will keep going all day,'' Cuneen said.
''Just with his breeding and the way he relaxes in his races - I think he'll stay.
''He jumps well - when you ask for a big one, he puts in.''
Cuneen said the win at Wingatui, after a string of four straight placings, seemed to give Harry Hill the supportive nudge he needed.
''The first time I won on him, he was a bit rough, but the second time I won on him, he felt like he had a lot more confidence.''
Harry Hill drops back to 65kg for the Grand National, the same as favourite Tallyho Twinkletoe and $7 hope Shamal.
Only brief showers were forecast for yesterday and a fine day is supposed to eventuate today, so the track might not deviate much from its rating of dead5 yesterday.
Harry Hill did win on a dead track at Timaru, and Cuneen said the gelding could cop the firmer track if needed.
''He'd probably prefer it a bit more more moist, but I think he'll be fine.''
Cuneen's best of the day is Madam Victoria, who resumes in the rating 85 1200m after a short spell.
The Terri Rae-trained mare was set to carry 59kg but Cuneen's claim will bring her weight down to 57kg.
''Terri is pretty happy with her - she's got a good fresh-up record and 2kg off her back, so I think she'll go well,'' he said.
''From watching her videos, she's got a good turn of foot and when you ask her to go, she really lets down.''
Cuneen also rides Eyes Wide Shut (race 9) and Rockahoy (race 10) for his employer, Neill Ridley, but Cuneen feels they would both appreciate a softer track.
''[Rockahoy] has been working good - stepping up in trip this time. I think he will go well, but he needs a wet track to help his chances.
''Eyes Wide Shut needs a slow to heavy track to really perform at her best but she'll go all right.''
