Lightly-raced three-year-old Smasher might not have the high profile of some of his stablemates but trainer Robert Heathcote thinks that's about to change.

So highly does Heathcote rate Smasher, Brisbane's premier trainer has nominated the gelding for the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 2.

"That gives you an indication of what I think of this horse," Heathcote said.

"From day one I've always liked him but I've held him back because I want to look after him.

"Horses like him make it easier to get up in the morning."

Smasher's ability was no secret even before he had his first start.

The gelding was an impressive winner of a Doomben jump-out defeating Group One winner Sizzling before that colt went on to win the Gold Edition Plate at Eagle Farm in December.

Consequently, Smasher started $1.30 favourite at his first start in a midweek Doomben maiden over 1110m on January 9 when he was successful with Michael Cahill aboard.

The three-year-old won by a length and although his performance earned mixed reviews, Heathcote was quick to defend his performance.

"It's rare for any horse to win from a double figure barrier at the 1110 metre starting point at Doomben and he had to do it at both ends of the race," he said.

"He led that day but I think he's going to be a better horse when he's allowed to travel within himself."

Meanwhile, fellow Queenslander Better Than Ready is likely to make an earlier than expected appearance in Sydney.

"It's too wet up here and the only suitable race I can find for him is a Benchmark 85 race over 1100 metres at Rosehill next Saturday," trainer Kelly Schweida said.

"Then we'll look at the Royal Sovereign which is a fortnight later."

Better Than Ready followed a fifth in a Doomben barrier trial on January 8 with a second in a jump-out at the same track last Tuesday.

"He went good without going overboard," Schweida said said.

"The track was pretty wet, a genuine slow, and he had a very good blow afterwards which I suppose you would expect after three-and-a-half months off."

Better Than Ready set a Randwick 1200m record of 1:08.19 when he won the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes in October.