Racing: Lane on track for big day out

Bunbury jockey Damien Lane will be busy with a full program of racing at today’s local Melbourne Cup Race Day.

The 16-year-old rode an impressive four winners last week and has a ride in all eight races today.

His father and trainer, Michael Lane, said he was proud of his son and impressed by his efforts so far, especially considering his young age.

Damian rode four winners to start the Bunbury season in spectacular fashion n Thursday.

And with an ounce of luck he could easily have gone home with five winners after Incoherent fell short by a nose to Give Me Moneyhoney in the first race of the day.

But he quickly bounced back in the next with Favourite Star descending late with a powerful run to score a solid win on debut.

The More Than Ready filly was near last approaching the home corner and looks a promising type for trainer Brent Larsson.

Metal Talk was by far the most exciting win of the day with a dominant and commanding performance that left rivals with ‘‘windburn’’.

The Oratorio gelding dashed out of the gates to lead from barrier to post to win by almost 10 lengths.

He looks set for a promising future.

Stablemates Torbell and Isabella Maree also recorded solid victories to end a red-letter day for one of the State’s leading young riders.

Lane was recently awarded Leading Country Rider and Most Promising Junior Rider at the Apprentice of the Year Awards.

He’ll be back in action at today’s Melbourne Cup meeting with another full book of mounts.

Kerrific and Stormy Ale appear to be his best prospects with City Chic and Zara City also in with solid claims.

And keep a watch on the Bruce Watkins-trained Sydney Businessman who is set to make his return in the Ikon Glass Maiden (1100m).

The Dash For Cash four-year old is resuming after a debut fourth at Northam last August and looks suited from barrier one to land a milestone win.