The Sportsbet Bendigo Cup heats had it all on Friday night – an eye-catching return from retirement, favourites beaten and some of the state’s most in-form chasers continuing their winning ways.

The opening heat produced an upset, with Dundee Skye making the most of the outside of the track to avoid trouble and secure the first Cup rug for trainer Geoff Scott-Smith.

Paw Olympus led everywhere but where it mattered, with Dundee Skye finishing strongly to claim victory in 24.03sec.

But one of the stories of the night belonged to Matt Loch.

Returning from retirement, the country cup star showed he has lost none of his ability, producing a brilliant 23.78sec performance to defeat the in-form Mother Georgia and book another country cup final appearance.

Fresh from victory in the Sportsbet Emerald at Healesville, Impetuously continued his outstanding form from box one.

He held off a fast-finishing Sparring to stop the clock at 23.52sec – the fastest qualifying time of the night – and make it three consecutive victories.

Askern Violet also continued her brilliant run of form, extending her picket fence with a 23.88sec victory over Here Comes Billy

Perth Cup winner Aston Rayner added another feature final to his résumé, leading throughout to win his heat in 24.11sec. Fairway Flyer finished second for trainer Anthony Azzopardi.

John Barbara then capped a big night with Cumulate, who produced the second-fastest qualifying performance of the heats with a slick 23.65sec victory.

The Group 2 Sportsbet Bendigo Cup will be decided at Bendigo next Friday night.