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 remain in contention for the Cox Plate at Flemington, with Sir Delius and Aeliana both still in the frame. The race shapes as a strong field, with connections backing the view that the best horse on the day will get the job done.