Trainer Maureen West from Beechwood won the first two races with Cool Hand Coote and Sawtell Mick.

Then Armidale's Denis Nixon struck with Kikeem State and Cabaroo to take out race four and five.

Not to be outdone, Bruce Caden from Casino won race seven with Brett Pearl and race eight with Knapford.

With the exception of Brett Pearl, all of those winners were running in the heats of the McDonald fifth grade, with Echo Lad trained by Graham Bowles from Wooli taking out the final heat.

The six winners and fastest two seconds will make up the field of eight at the final next Saturday.

Also on that day will be the heats of the Armidale Cup, with Sunday featuring maiden heats.

The four-day cup carnival will conclude with cup final day on February 18.

Results in today's Express.