Both the Sydney and Melbourne jockeys' premierships are in the balance heading into key weekend meetings at Rosehill and Flemington.

In Sydney, James McDonald and Blake Shinn share the lead on 88-1/2 wins with Hugh Bowman close behind on 87.

In Melbourne the top end of the table is just as compact but all eyes will be on Dwayne Dunn as he tries to extend his lead over Craig Williams to a sustainable margin.

Dunn, who received an 11-meeting ban for careless riding aboard Unassailed at Moonee Valley on Wednesday, has ridden 55 winners and holds a one-win lead over Williams with Damien Oliver on their heels with 52.

Unless Dunn successfully appeals his penalty, a slew of winners at Flemington on Saturday appears his only hope of a maiden premiership and he has already crunched the numbers.

"I've had a really good season and set myself my own goals which I've been able to achieve, so that's all that I can ask for," Dunn told AAP.

"We've got Saturday and if I can pull out another three on Saturday, I suppose I can make it competitive to the end."

Early markets indicate the best of Dunn's chances are two runners from the Peter Moody stable.

The highly rated Il Cavallo will look to keep his perfect Flemington 1000m record in the VRC Recognition Handicap and is early favourite for the race.

Stablemate Herstory is also at the top of betting for the Chicquita Handicap.

However, Dunn's premiership rivals have also secured some handy rides.

Williams's mounts include second pick Tansy in the VRC Recognition Handicap and Actuariat, the $3.50 favourite for the Flemington Event Staff Handicap (1400m).

"Craig's got a nice book of rides," Williams's manager Mark Guest said.

"Craig's ridden trebles at his past two meetings at Flemington and hopefully he can get another winner or two on Saturday."

Oliver, who is seeking title number 10, is relaxed in his assessment of the meeting.

"I haven't had the chance to have a good look at my rides at this stage," Oliver said.

"I'll do that over the next couple of days.

"We're in for an exciting end to the season."

At Rosehill all three Sydney title contenders have near full books, with each having seven rides.

McDonald expects the battle for the premiership to go down to the wire.

"It's going to be very tough," McDonald said.

"At least I'm not going to die wondering. I'm here competing and if I get beaten at least I gave it my best shot."