Lane’s big Cox Plate call is coming

Damian Lane will likely ride Treasurethe Moment in the Cox Plate, with a final decision to come after he partners the star mare in Saturday’s Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield.

Lane has built strong associations with both Treasurethe Moment, aboard whom he is undefeated in seven rides including four at Group 1 level, and Aeliana, who he rode to a five-length victory in last season’s ATC Derby.

Lane was aboard Aeliana when she ran fifth behind Sir Delius in Saturday’s Turnbull Stakes.

Despite the defeat, Aeliana shortened from $7 to $6 in Bet365’s Cox Plate market, while Treasurethe Moment is on the next line of betting at $7.50. Sir Delius is the $3 favourite after his Turnbull heroics.

Lane’s manager Dean Hawkes confirmed that the star rider will head to Sydney to partner one of Chris Waller’s sprinters in The Everest, instead of chasing a ride in the Caulfield Cup.

With two slots still to be announced, the champion trainer has three Everest runners with Joliestar, Lady Shenandoah and Angel Capital, the latter who Lane rode when unlucky in the Group 1 Rupert Clarke Stakes last start.

The 31-year-old will also be absent from Flemington on Derby Day when he travels to Japan to ride Tastiera in the Group 1 Tenno Sho.