After such an impressive start to his career, which included a second placing in the two-year-old colts and geldings Australian Pacing Gold Final, injury has kept the South Bowenfels trained horse from racing on a regular basis.

This season, with The Lagoon's Emma Turnbull in the gig, Twelve Paces has made a solid comeback to racing and in six starts hasn't missed out on the placings once.

Turnbull has helped the Live Or Die x Vitness six-year-old to an impressive 50 per cent winning strike rate and when missing out on the honours, has still managed to place 79 per cent of the time from his 48 career starts.

Conroy is confident the talented reinswomen can help his horse to another impressive performance over the 1609 metres test in Newcastle.

"He hasn't raced a lot the last two years because he's had a bit of an injury problem, so we've eased him back into it," the trainer said.

"He's had half a dozen starts and placed in every one of those and he's had a win in Young.

“I just think he will get better every start ... I think he's a good chance."

The barrier draw will help Twelve Paces’ bid to claim the $40,500 first prize, Turnbull set to go from gate six.

Conroy expects his chance should be able to find a good sit from this position with Paul Fitzpatrick's Saucy Legend tipped to lead early.

"I'm pretty happy with six.

“If you draw the inside you tend to have to go out pretty quickly, but having drawn in the middle it will allow him to be able to ease across," Conroy said.

While rival Saucy Legend will be aiming for his seventh consecutive victory, Conroy believes threats lie throughout the Newcastle Mile field.

Great rival and former Bathurst Gold Crown winner Lombo Pocket Watch will go from the inside of the second row, Lonestar Legend has drawn alongside Twelve Paces and Queenslander Destreos is another with strong claims.

Destreos recorded a 1:54.9 win at Albion Park two starts ago when he led, but Conroy points out the Queensland track traditionally produces faster mile rates than Harold Park where Twelve Paces has been campaigning.

"It's a pretty fast paced track up there and the times are generally pretty quick compared to Harold Park where the early sectionals are a bit slower but they get home quick," Conroy said.

"It was a pretty good time [from Destreos], but I'd say there are threats throughout ... Saucy Legend will be hard to beat from [barrier] one."

The Newcastle Mile will get under way at 9.15 pm tonight.