Final lap before dessert (4,6)

I believe the answer is:

last course

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'dessert' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'final lap' is the wordplay.
'final' becomes 'last' (synonyms).
'lap' becomes 'course' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'last'+'course'='LAST COURSE'

'before' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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