Jockey James McDonald leads the Spring Premierships heading into the final weekend of the competition, but that fact does not precisely detail the 23-year-old's run of form at the Flemington carnival.

In four days of racing at headquarters, McDonald had 34 rides - running 20 of those into the money, including four winners.

The best-rated of those saw the Kiwi jockey help cause an upset with Delectation in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) on Saturday, out-gunning Chautauqua.

It proved to be McDonald's 30th Group 1 success - having won at the highest level in homeland New Zealand (10), Australia (19) and Hong Kong (one).

The Godolphin rider guided Ambience to a comprehensive win in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m), but notably had a winning double on Oaks Day for others - winning aboard Pittsburgh Flyer for Lee and Shannon Hope, and Zebrinz for Leon and Troy Corstens.

WATCH: James McDonald win the Darley Classic on Delectation

 

 

Such was McDonald's form, he finished outside the top four on just nine of his rides during the carnival.

Twice he had to pull up his mount well before the winning post, too, with Infra Dig and Andrioli well-and-truly last without running out to the line - meaning those stats could be even more favourable towards the red-hot McDonald.

James McDonald's Flemington carnival

Wins - 4

Seconds - 7

Thirds - 9

Fourths - 5