Always dear to the heart is the home town cup and now it’s a Big Dance Qualifier they have a full field and interesting race. Here is a preview of the field and tip at the bottom.
Gibbo’s Murwillumbah Cup guide 2026
1. LOCH EAGLE
An old marvel who would give these a towel up at his best. I think we have seen his best and he is on the other side of it now. 63kg is a task, but still has class and could win a country cup like this any given day.
2. TENZING (NZ)
I’ve liked this guy all alone but he hasn’t had the same feeling’s about me. He is a superior horse 2nd up. That and the fact he is with Gollan give him a chance. Don’t love the big weight.
3. EXPRESS PAYMENT (scratched)
Career best form this horse. Hasn’t missed a place in 7 runs this time in work and a couple of wins amongst them. Doesn’t mind a fight and usually strong late. Biggest issue is finding a clear path and needs a good Bayliss ride.
4. ROCK EMPIRE
Looks the one to me. Timed to perfection by the best trainer in the land. 2nd best L200m split fresh over an unsuitable 1200m trip. Then got headed and kicked like a good horse to win 2nd up. Set to peak 3rd up and should map well. Hard to find anything but positives.
5. BOOM TORQUE
One of the home town chances. Was a very good horse on his day and over a million dollars in the bank for his owners. The last couple of preps have not been to the same standard but comes here 4th up and ready to run his best race of the prep.
6. CASTILLIAN (NZ)
Any sting out of the track is a bonus. Is usually a very consistent horse but has been a little weak late in his races recently. He’s one I always hesitate to put a line through though.
7. ATMOSPHERE
Not one of mine this horse as he just mixes his form way to much for me to punt on a ‘good day’. Beaten 8.6L into last fresh and then only 1.1L off Anemacore last start. The answer is a pineapple.
8. PIER PRESSURE
She has been Group 3 placed and was good two back when beaten a nose in Sydney. Mixes it up a bit these days but the positive is a 5kg weight drop on the last run.
9. GOLDEN CROSS
Flying this horse. He is a get back type but has had some of the best late splits nearly every run this prep. Gets the feather weight for a good apprentice and he just needs clear air to run into this late. Getting the clear air in a full field is a genuine query though.
10. HIGH DANDY (NZ)
Had been very good since joining the Mince camp. Won at the GC, followed by two placing’s in town and the Daggers form is good. I was dirty on the last run but had a minor injury and may be worth forgiving. Could push forward from the gate and run a race.
11. KIPLING’S JOURNEY
Solid win two back in town bm78 grade. Just a run last start and ca mix his form. Hard one to trust but he does have some ability. Blinkers back on may help?
12. KAIROS LOUIE (NZ)
Has run well in town multiple times but gee I struggle to work out when it will be. The positive is he has the good on speed pattern and will be out of trouble.
13. THE CATCH
9yr old that has been getting beaten up recently. Needs to find a many lengths if we are being serious.
14. AWAYGOESTHEBUNNY
Recent northern rivers form is handy enough but not sure that’s good enough to win these Big Dance qualifiers. Home track will help.
15e. SPEED MAP (scratched)
Will be positive early but likely get tired late.
16e. GOT YOURSELF A GUN
Ran last first up. Needs to find plenty.
17e. LORD PROTECTOR (NZ)
Only won 3 of 30 but one of them was last start. Not for me.
The Verdict:
(4) ROCK EMPIRE $2.60
It is very hard to go past (4) ROCK EMPIRE here. Maher is the best trainer in the country and the fact he has given this bloke two runs and the perfect prep for this race 3rd up is no surprise. He is tactically versatile and Maloney is likely to use the gate and try to land in the first 5-6 settling and not spend a penny in the run. Fresh run over 1200m was good (2nd best L200m of the race) and the last start win was brave. Was headed there and just wanted it more. That says he is rock hard fit and ready to rumble here.
