By Chris Roots
Kris Lees has learnt to stick with his plans and even winning the Villiers Stakes didn't change the goal for Sense Of Occasion, which has always been Friday's Gosford Cup.
"It is the race we had in mind for him because he gets to this sort of trip and performs his best," Lees said. "He got a few things in his favour in the Villiers – the wet track and got a great run though – and got the win. It was a nice surprise.
Cup bound: Sense Of Occasion scores a shock win in the Villiers Stakes.Credit: Anthony Johnson
"It means we get a free kick at the Doncaster, which you would be mad not to take, but this race was always in my mind when he came back.
"He gets a bit more weight because of that win and the six-horse field makes it a bit tricky but he is going to run well and then we will mark out a preparation to get to the Doncaster."
Lees is on the Gold Coast, like most trainers looking for the next star, and will have five runners on Magic Millions day.
"Upstart is probably our best up here, he was good first-up at Newcastle and comes into this race on the way up. These country cups are very hard to line up in terms of form because they are coming from everywhere but I think he has the right form and barrier," Lees said.
The Lees stable also has a strong hand at Randwick where Admiral Jello and Awasita will look to continue their good campaigns.
"They are both into their preparations and racing well," Lees said. "Admiral Jello is a stayer and stepping to 2400 metres will be good for him. He won a couple of runs back and is very consistent.
"Awasita has been racing well and has got a soft draw [in gate one]. If she gets any luck at the right time she should go close.
"It is the right time of year for both them to come through the grades and they should get a win in their next couple of runs."
Lees's autumn team will have a low-key start to their campaign on Monday as Danish Twist and dual group 1 winner Le Romain have their first barrier trials at Wyong.
"We are looking towards the Doncaster with Le Romain and the Coolmore [Classic] and Queen Of The Turf with Danish Twist," Lees said. "They will have a soft trial on Monday and than another one before returning.
"We have to work out which way to go with both of them but Le Romain will probably have to run into Winx along the way."
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