Trainer Pat Hyland will set his sights higher with improving filly Fille Champagne after her fighting win at Sandown.

Fille Champagne had to do it the tough way after a bumping duel with Lovani in the early stages of Saturday's Blue Star Group Handicap.

Apprentice Beau Mertens didn't panic aboard the three-year-old and tracked the Damien Oliver-ridden Lovani to sit second as the field swung for home.

After taking over the lead aboard the $2.80 favourite early in the straight, Mertens drove Fille Champagne home a winner by a head from Invictum Domina ($3.80) with Macattack ($21) a short-half-head away third.

Hyland fears Fille Champagne may get weighted out of similar class fillies races and he will now aim her higher.

Fille Champagne was a $260,000 yearling and Hyland would like to get some black type for the filly during this campaign and is reluctant to send the mare for a break while she is in form.

"She's a pretty handy filly I think," Hyland said.

"I don't know what sort of races will be around for her now but it's not much good turning her out.

"I'll have a couple of beers and work something out."

Mertens said the win was strong after some rough moments early.

"Ollie's was over-racing and bumped her a couple of times," Mertens said.

"I think him going forward worked out best for us.

"That showed she's a tough filly."