If anything, the 26-year-old hoop thought it would simply slow down his charge for the NSW country jockey premiership.

But with 138 winners under his belt so far this season, McDougall is confident he can hit both targets with restrictions set to ease across the state.

NSW-based riders will be able to ride anywhere in the state from July 1, with Racing NSW to lift the final jockey zone for metropolitan meetings.

McDougall will remain in the Southern Districts when restrictions ease as he leads the NSW country premiership by 15 wins, having claimed 118 winners at a strike rate of 18.3 per cent.

"I go up to Sydney on the odd occasion but my intention is through this area, on the South Coast and Canberra," McDougall said.

"I led the NSW country premiership quite easily by about 20-or-so winners before the restrictions. If anything I thought the restrictions would slow me down but we got busier.

"I think I'll continue that lead afterwards. It's been a goal of mine from last season to win the senior premiership this year, as well as 100 winners.

"When we got close to 100 winners my manager said 'I think you can ride about 150'. I thought 'I'm not too sure about that' but there's about five weeks to go, so I'm pretty confident I'll get it."

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

McDougall is also poised to claim the Canberra jockey's premiership, leading Chad Lever by 11 with 26 wins at Thoroughbred Park.

He'll look to extend that lead with seven races booked in for Friday's meet, including the Terry Robinson-trained Lord Desanimaux and Keith Dryden's Giocoso and Prince Jacko.

Dryden leads the trainer's premiership with 23 winners so far this season and could strengthen his chances with four horses, including Prince Jacko, in the $30,000 Federal.

"[Keith and I] have had quite a bit of success over the last two seasons," McDougall said.

"It was good to see Prince Jacko win two starts ago, he's a horse I've had a lot of luck with. He's drawn the car park which is concerning over 1000 metres, he might get stuck a bit wide."

McDougall is looking to claim the Class 1 Plate (2000 metres) with Lord Desanimaux, following a second-place finish last start in Canberra.

"He generally runs a few more nice races than win them unfortunately but he's pretty honest," McDougall said.

"I think last start over the mile he got held up when straightening and it took away the finish from him.

"Stepping over 2000 metres he gets an extra 400 metres and that's what he needs, a bit of extra time to build his momentum and come strong late.

"It looks a pretty even race and he's drawn wide. But if he didn't win on Friday I'd be pretty shocked."

Former leading jockey John Scorse provides all the tips you need for Canberra's race meet on Friday.

Best bet: Race 3, No.7 Earp: Flashed home from well back when resuming over 1000m first up, up to 1200 here is ideal and she will be hard to hold out

Best roughie: Race 4, No.5 Eurosay: Resuming here in a very open race but is well drawn with a good fresh record, the best version of him would win this.

Race one: 1st: No.2 Lord Desanimaux: Very consistent fellow who finds the right race here, ran into a smart type last start and placed 2/4 this distance, the one to beat. 2nd: No.5 Street Cred: Tried hard when 2nd here last time this t/d when racing 2nd up can only be fitter for the run and looks the main danger. 3rd: No.6 Dream Maiden: Boxed on well but safely held last start, looking for this trip now. 4th: No.9 Kippax: Next best.

Race two: 1st: No.6 Barging Tess: Both runs to date sound for this, made the speed and tried hard when placed here last start, improving and extra trip suits. 2nd: No.2 Bizou: Midfield when resuming at Goulburn in solid race, placed this trip before spell and she has good claims here.3rd: No.4 Poliziotta: Even run when resuming for new stable, placed 2/4 and should be fitter for this. 4th: No.3 Miss Keira: Unsuited last two runs in the wet, may improve on firmer ground

Race three: 1st: No.7 Earp: Showed some ability first prep, eye catching run when resuming and extra distance will suit her, will be back but finishing off strongly. 2nd: No.3 Fenech: Well bred but very green on debut at Wyong when not beaten far, will improve up in distance and on bigger track. 3rd: No.13 Loch River: On debut with blinkers on so market and parade will be key here. 4th: No.2 Farage: Next best.

Race four: 1st: No.5 Eurosay: Resuming here and does go well fresh, overall form is very good for this and drawn to get a nice run throughout. 2nd: No.9 Giocosa: Raced well last prep and unsuited off slow speed when resuming, she will be strong late. 3rd: No.1 Katie Did It: Led all the way to score a good win when 2nd up, got all the favours last time and will need them again. 4th: No.12 Motime: Will run them along, place claims here.

Race five: 1st: No.12 Kimmylee: Set to peak after three runs this prep and hasn't had much luck, racing like this trip will suit and a lightweight will help her. 2nd: No.13 Casino Time: Forget last run, previous form good enough to win this despite coming back in trip. 3rd: No.6 Rosebank: Very honest mare who didn't handle the middle distance last time and has won or placed previous 9 runs. 4th: No.8 Nieces and Nephews: Very consistent this prep and should go forward.

Race six: 1st: No.2 Kiss My Swiss: Smart mare resuming and is 3/4 first up, handles soft conditions, she will look the winner at some stage in the straight. 2nd: No.5 Polar Star: Close up in five runs this time in and draws favourably here, look for another bold run. 3rd: No.9 Calescent: Smart filly at her peak third up, has won racing on speed and from back, her versatility gives her a good chance here. 4th: No.14 Polyxena: Don't take lightly here.

Race seven: 1st: No.7 Love Me Broke: He has been good in both runs this prep and up to 1200 will suit him despite wide draw he is right in this. 2nd: No.1 Duchess Marizza: Raced on speed and was too strong winning provincial maiden, rises in weight 3.5kg and takes on older horses but has good upside. 3rd: No.13 Rare Gem: No luck in last two runs since winning country maiden, bigger track will suit her and don't be scared of the wide gate. 4th: No.12 Irish Bride: Place claims here.