Australian jockey Damian Lane is within reach of securing a riding licence that only two others have earned, Christophe Lemaire and Mirco Demuro, a significant achievement in international racing circles.
The news comes as 23 runners are still being considered for the Cox Plate at Flemington, with Sir Delius and Aeliana both still in the frame. The race is shaping into a strong field, with connections confident that the best horse on the day will prevail.