The Johnsons have qualified two horses through to the $100,000 group one Riverina Championships 4&5YO Mares Final (2270m), headlined by star pacer Maajida.

Maajida justified her short quote with a commanding 22-metre win in the opening heat of the mares series on Tuesday night.

The opening night of the carnival only got better for the Johnsons, who also qualified Two Times Bettor for the final when she finished third in the final heat.

Both mares were bred at The Rock by the Johnsons - father Les and sons Ian, Gary and Steve - who race the pacers now with Emma Stewart and Belinda McCarthy respectively.

Maajida, once Australian 2YO of the Year, took her record to 19 wins from 26 starts with the commanding performance.

"She went super," Steve Johnson said.

"I believe she pulled up quite well and if she races to her merit, she should be right in the finish on Sunday."

The Johnsons have travelled across the country to watch Maajida compete at the top level and cannot wait for Sunday at Riverina Paceway.

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"My word, it's in our backyard and we're not having to travel away," Steve said.

"It might upset a few people that she was nominated but hopefully we can have some friends and family there and watch her go around. Hopefully she's successful and the beers will flow after. They'll certainly taste a bit better."

Maajida has drawn gate 12 and will start from the second row. The camp are not too concerned.

"It's not going to be a hindrance to us. Kate (Gath) will be able to assess the early speed and once the dust settles, I imagine she will make a move and go around them to sit outside, or they will hand up and she goes to the front."

The Johnsons are also not giving up hope with Two Times Bettor, who was only having her second start for the McCarthy stable in the heat.

"She needed the run and will get better with each start from now on," Steve said.

"We're stoked to have two in. We've never had a horse race on the new track so to have two in a group one here is pretty exciting."

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