An attempt to even the scoreboard with rival jockey James McDonald has earned Damien Oliver a reprimand from stewards at Rosehill.

In an afternoon when several jockeys trod a fine line of competitive riding, Oliver was scrutinised for his on-track tussle with McDonald in the Ranvet Stakes when the pair rode top fancies Fiorente and It's A Dundeel respectively.

As they scrapped for the box-seat position, McDonald forced Oliver on Fiorente wide and the champion Victorian eventually had to stride forward, giving It's A Dundeel a bump as he went past.

Chief steward Ray Murrihy labelled McDonald's early effort as "a bit cheeky and rude" but nonetheless effective.

"But Oliver got a reprimand for giving a square-up afterwards," Murrihy said.

"If there was any more damage done you'd both be sitting on the fence during the carnival."

Nash Rawiller and Hugh Bowman were at it earlier in the day in the Todman Stakes when Bowman attempted to push out on Risen From Doubt while Rawiller did his best to keep him pocketed aboard Wandjina.

Both riders were told to exercise more care.

"We know there's Group One racing about," Murrihy said.