By Chris Roots
Newcastle trainer Kris Lees has been left frustrated by Danish Twist's lack of success since she burst into black-type company with a quartet of victories last year, but never by her performances. He is hopeful the frustration will end in the Golden Pendant at Rosehill on Saturday.
Once again last start, Danish Twist was relatively untested to the line in the Sheraco Stakes, when seventh to Ravi. It's a frustration to which Lees has grown accustomed.
Kris Lees with star pair Le Romain and Lucia Valentina in 2016.Credit: Marina Neil
It came on top of photo finish defeats in the Premiere Stakes and the Coolmore Classic in the autumn as well as a luckless effort in the Myer Classic
"It was one of those runs where you wonder what might have been," Lees said. "She has certainly taken benefit from it and is ready for 1400 metres.
"I don't want to say she is a winning chance because in the last year I have learned you can get close without winning. She needs luck on her side for a change."
Danish Twist won the Provincial Championships Final at last year's Championships before adding a group 3 with the Dark Jewel Classic and the listed June Stakes but has since banked more than $100,000 in a dozen runs without a victory.
"Her style of getting back means she needs a bit of luck. She is up to the best mares in work if the breaks go her way, and I think she will be in the finish on the weekend," Lees said.
"I would have liked her to draw a bit better [than gate 10] but there looks to be enough pace in the race for her to get a shot at them."
Lees also remains hopeful that Clearly Innocent will get a run in The Everest and is confident he might be the one to beat in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick next week.
"He put in a slashing piece of work during the week and has come back really well," Lees said. "We are still hopeful of getting an Everest slot, but he would have to win next week to be assured of getting into the race."
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