The Sydney jockeys' premiership isn't the major focus for Blake Shinn but his recent form suggests he can keep the pressure on James McDonald.

Shinn rode four of the winners on Saturday's eight-race Rosehill card to narrow the gap between him and the defending champion to three.

Shinn's biggest challenge may not come from McDonald but from himself, with careless riding suspensions proving costly.

Saturday was his first day back from a ban which kept him out of the final three days of the Melbourne Cup meeting.

"The premiership is not at the forefront of my mind," Shinn said.

"All I'm trying to do is turn up every day and treat it like a grand final.

"If it's close later in the season I will have a decent crack at it.

"But there are so many great jockeys in Sydney you have to be at the top of your game in every race.

"If you are not performing, then you lose opportunities.

"And I have to stay out of the stewards' room."

Shinn, who won the Sydney title in the 2007/08 season, spent his most recent enforced holiday in Bali.

In the past he would struggle with his weight after time away but he has adjusted his diet and raised his riding weight to ensure his longevity in the saddle.

Gone are the days of riding Viewed at 53kg to win the 2008 Melbourne Cup.

"A lot of jockeys are getting down to 53 or 54 kilos. I now ride mostly at 56," he said.

"I can maintain that weight. Some jockeys might have time out and go from 54 to 59 in a few days.

"I can go on holiday and only put on a couple of kilos so it's not too hard to get it off.

"I manage it better now and am healthier."

The David Vandyke-trained Church Boy, one of Shinn's four winners at Rosehill, has emerged as a possible summer star for the jockey.

His latest victory was his fourth from five starts for Vandyke. His next assignment will be the Listed Festival Stakes on November 29, two weeks before the Group Two Villiers (1600m).