Spanning the greatest jaunt (8)

I believe the answer is:

bestride

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'spanning the' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'greatest jaunt' is the wordplay.
'greatest' becomes 'best' (similar in meaning).
'jaunt' becomes 'ride' (I've seen this in another clue).
'best'+'ride'='BESTRIDE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bestride that I've seen before include "Do this to horse" , "Mount" , "Get across" , "span" , "Dominate" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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