Two winners during his first metropolitan meeting since suspension momentarily confirmed James McDonald as an unbackable favourite to win the Sydney jockeys' premiership for the first time.

But another riding ban out of Canterbury will ensure there will be no reason for a premature celebration as McDonald will sit out six meetings - including two in the city - after next Wednesday's Warwick Farm fixture.

McDonald's first city rides for a month at Canterbury on Wednesday came less than 24 hours after Nash Rawiller flew to Japan to take up a 10-week contract, effectively putting an end to his premiership defence.

He booted home Kona for John O'Shea and Ball Of Muscle for Joe Pride to get within two winners of Rawiller in the race for the 2013-2014 title.

His latest setback shouldn't be enough to stop him from claiming the jockeys' title but if he isn't in front of Rawiller after riding at Warwick Farm there may be justification for some nerves.

"I wouldn't have been very happy if I didn't ride a winner today the way things have turned out," McDonald said.

McDonald has 68 winners for the season and with nearest rivals Tommy Berry and Hugh Bowman finishing off Hong Kong stints, McDonald would appear to have a safe lead over Kerrin McEvoy (49).

He has a full book of rides at Rosehill on Saturday, including Sir Bigglesworth for Gai Waterhouse in the $100,000 Winter Cup.