Champion jockey James McDonald jests he would have taken a second fall from Via Sistina if it meant another record-breaking victory in the $6 million Cox Plate and a sought-after slice of history.

A far smoother preparation for Saturday’s 2040m Group 1 feature means the star hoop won’t have to survive such a dangerous prelude this time if he is to triumph in Australasia’s weight-for-age championship for the fourth consecutive year.

The near-perfect build-up doesn’t guarantee Via Sistina will set any fresh marks after last year’s record-equalling eight-length victory in a time that beat legendary mare Winx’s previous best by almost two seconds.

But it does ensure McDonald a huge shot at glory aboard the defending champion and raging favourite, in what will be the final running of the Cox

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