Bartley will be represented by pre-series favourite Forever Yin and Nomorelying after both won their respective heats at Riverina Paceway on Friday.

Both were able to dictate terms with Blake Jones with the reins.

Bartley was thrilled to have both through however she was particularly pleased Forever Yin ($1.50 fav) showed uncustomary gate speed to lead the fifth heat.

While the method of his win surprised, Bartley admitted it was also a relief.

"I just love Jimmy (Forever Yin) and I don't really get that nervous but whenever he races I get really nervous as I feel there is such a cult following," Bartley said.

"When he comes out and goes as good as he does it is definitely a weight off the shoulders."

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Bartley was also pleased with how Nomorelying ($1.50 fav) both his place despite surviving a late scare from Rocky Creed ($3.50) in the second heat.

"It was a very fast half," Bartley said.

"I got a little worried when Rocky Creed came up the outside but he was good enough to hold one.

"He hasn't had a run for three weeks so he'll benefit hugely from that run."

After winning the inaugural race last season, Rocky Creed bounced back to form with the close up result.

However his place isn't guaranteed for this year's final just yet.

Nomorelying has now won four of his six starts for the stable after being sent up for Victoria for this series.

It came after Rocky Branach ($2.90) finished second behind Swaggie Shannon ($2.50 fav) in the opening heat of the series.

Bouncing back from two unplaced efforts, Swaggie Shannon was able to dictate terms for Wagga couple Luke Mulley and Jess Prior.

Meanwhile Canberra participants were added into the region this season and made a quick impact.

First Michael Hawke tasted success with Never Been Said producing a big sprint to create a boilover in the third heat

The $31 chance but went on to down one of last year's finalists Ideal Fantasy ($8) by a head.

Will Rixon and Father Bob were then able to dictate terms before just holding out to take out the fourth heat.

After two unplaced efforts since resuming from a spell, Father Bob ($ 1.90 fav) was able to find the front from his good draw to defy the fast-finishing Western Style ($6.50).

While Rossini will get another chance to qualify for the $100,000 after fading to finish third, Bartley isn't as convinced Rocky Branach will after his second place finish.

"I thought he was going to cause an upset so I started screaming but I was rapt in him," she said.

"He went so good but I don't know if we will send him around again next week as he's chance in the consolation but we will talk to the owners and see what they want to do."

The second and final round of heats will be at Riverina Paceway on Friday before the $100,000 final on May 23.