"I had a good start and won the holeshot. I put in some good laps and was in front all the way," said Searle, who finished 8secs ahead of Simpson. "I had a good time and it was an easy race for me. The track is fine and I need to have a good start tomorrow. I'm very optimistic for the race."

The first race was won by Yamaha's reigning double champion Antonio Cairoli, by almost six seconds from Searle's title leading team-mate Rattray, with Stephen Sword upholding home honour with third place for Molson Kawasaki.

In Veterans World Cup qualifying, Peter Iven took pole from fellow Belgian Jan Blancquaert with home heroes Dave Thrope, Scott Eastwood and Greg Hanson poised to strike in third, fourth and fifth.