Lane hits lead in Vic jockeys’ premiership

Damian Lane looks like he will finish second in the Melbourne jockeys’ premiership but the multiple Group One-winning rider is on target to take out the state premiership in Victoria.

Lane rode a winning treble at Echuca on Thursday to take his state-wide tally for 2017/18 to 125.

It moved him one-win clear of Linda Meech who is suspended until after Saturday week’s Bletchingly Stakes meeting on July 28, while Jamie Mott is third on 108.

The season runs until the end of July.

Lane is second in the Melbourne metropolitan premiership,10 wins behind Craig Williams with three city meetings remaining.

Lane has a strong book of seven rides at Flemington on Saturday including the Darren Weir-trained Sixties Groove and Night Falls.