With that single win, Shinn has become the $2.60 favourite to take the premiership, but McDonald may have the last say on that. McDonald and Bowman are at $2.80 for the title.
One of the Godolphin horses McDonald is likely to be on for the premiership fight will be Haussmann, a stylish winner at Rosehill on Saturday under Christian Reith.
He will run next in the Winter Stakes in two weeks.
O'Shea offered his thoughts about McDonald's next four weeks.
"He will be straight off the plane from England and straight back to work," he said. "No detours along the way, either. We've got Macca riding and trying to win a premiership and we'll see if we can give him a hand and hopefully old Haussmann can give him the opportunity.
"I think it's a great team effort [with Haussmann]. He's been really flying at home and enjoying his work and he's a happy and healthy horse."
No arguments with Thorn Prince's $65,000 Taumarunui Gold Cup victory at Te Rapa on Saturday.
That was a tough track to shoulder 59kg clear topweight on and he never flinched, winning as though he had just joined in.
Surprisingly, there were a decent number of horses on the programme who appeared to be having problems handling the footing. Some of that form may not hold up. If you had a bet and it missed give it another go next time.
If you backed Peacefuleasyfeelin in the Cup, definitely back up.
Leith Innes reported to stewards Peacefuleasyfeelin had been making noises in his breathing late in the race. A veterinary examination revealed the Matamata stayer had mud in his trachea.
Craig Phelan drove his float to Te Aroha yesterday and thought he was a chance to win a couple of races.
The Cambridge trainer won with each of the four horses he floated and Irish jockey Emily Farr rode all four.
On the way home, Phelan said he couldn't wait to get there.
"I'm going to smack myself in the head when I get home to make sure I'm awake. These things don't happen."
If you say that's a record, it won't be, but it must be close to one.
Phelan's first runner Bahhton was at short odds to make a winning debut over hurdles and made no mistake.
A race later, West End continued his improvement with a strong win over hurdles.
Notabadrooster won one of the jumpers' highweights and Worthhiswaitingold ended the programme with the easiest win of the day.
A $10 multi bet on the four got you $2042.62.
Back in action
•Sydney premiership leader James McDonald will return from England and could defend the title he won last season.
•Thorn Prince notched a well-deserved win in the Taumarunui Gold Cup.
•Cambridge horseman Craig Phelan took four horses to Te Aroha and enjoyed a perfect day.
