Celebrated New South Wales chaser Gold Force was the fastest qualifier for the Sportsbet Ballarat Cup, stopping the clock in a time of 24.73 seconds.

Trained by Denice Warren, Gold Force was reported to have been purchased for a six-figure sum before his first start by prominent harness racing owner Mick Boots.

The purchase is beginning to pay off following a four-month stint on the sidelines. He bounced back at the start of the month in Goulburn with a track record performance before making his way to Victoria for the Ballarat Cup heats.

Gold Force held off Harrison-Dawson winner Flying Zulu with eye catching ease. Flying Zulu was the fastest second place getter which saw him earn a rug in next week's Sportsbet Ballarat Cup.

0.02 of a second separated country cup champ, Matt Loch and last year's Ballarat Cup winner, Explicit's heat victories. Matt Loch winning his heat in 24.981 seconds and Explicit in 24.983 seconds.