One of the feature races at Eagle Farm this Saturday is the Moreton Cup (1200m), where the market says it is an open race.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Moreton Cup.
2026 Moreton Cup Runner Preview:
1. Oak Hill: Like him back to 1200m, was okay late in the BRC Sprint…just have a few others ahead of him.
2. Manaal: Given her overall record, she’s very well weighted. Maps to get a beaut run and will be strong late..just depends whether this is a race where there is intent or the eyes are on three weeks time.
3. Hidden Wealth: He’s been very weak to the line the past two and I cannot have him.
4. Zou Sensation: Talented animal but prefer him at 1400m and not sure he did enough in the Luskin Star to say he’s in the mix here.
5. Metalart: Metalart…if they ride with intent here, I think he’ll take beating. He has been ridden like a barrier trial in both runs back, the latest in the BRC Sprint where he looked to have plenty to offer but had no clear air. Back to 1200m I don’t mind and if he gets room to move, ridden more forward, he’ll only run well.
6. In Flight: Hit and miss but has been freshened up, firmer footing vs last start and the setup of a mid prep tick over trial for Joe Pride is a good formula to follow. Not dismissing her.
7. The Inflictor: Perhaps ridden too warm in the BRC Sprint and will be better with a sit. Just don’t think he’s up to these.
8. Boomtown Boss: Total forget in the BRC Sprint after sitting wide and being keen in the run. If he brings his best, he can win.
9. Barber: Barber steps up to 1200m after resuming over 1110m in the Chief De Beers when back off speed and was good late in the piece when close up behind Flying Destiny. Fitter and up in trip, he’s in the mix.
10. King Of Sparta: Pretty much went around for a barrier trial in the Ortensia, getting badly held up in the straight. He’ll get room to move and wind up…very dangerous.
11. Uncommon James: He’s cast.
12. Esjay: Esjay is flying. Big win here first up before being thrown in the deep end in the Doomben 10,000 and I thought he ran an absolute belter in defeat behind Rothfire. Back to this level, back to Eagle Farm, he’ll run a beauty.
13. Verdoux: SCR
14. Chidiac: Loved the way she has toughed it out to win her past three but just think there is too much depth for her this time around.
2026 Moreton Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win / $80 Place Metalart
2026 Moreton Cup Speed Map
The speed is drawn wide, with Hidden Wealth leading and will give Uncommon James the drag across. The Inflictor should settle handy from a middle draw, while Manaal and In Flight should lob handy from inside gates.
Moreton Cup Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OAK HILL (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Daniel Stackhouse | 5 | 57.5kg |
| 2 | MANAAL | Michael Freedman | Ben Melham | 1 | 56kg |
| 3 | HIDDEN WEALTH | Tony Gollan | Ryan Maloney | 12 | 56kg |
| 4 | ZOU SENSATION | Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | Declan Bates | 7 | 56kg |
| 5 | METALART | Kelly Schweida | Michael Rodd | 10 | 56kg |
| 6 | IN FLIGHT | Joseph Pride | Craig Williams | 2 | 55.5kg |
| 7 | THE INFLICTOR | Craig Cousins | Ms Rachel King | 8 | 55.5kg |
| 8 | BOOMTOWN BOSS | Tony Gollan | Tommy Berry | 6 | 55.5kg |
| 9 | BARBER | Richard Litt | Ms Jamie Melham | 11 | 55.5kg |
| 10 | KING OF SPARTA | Peter Snowden | Jason Collett | 9 | 55kg |
| 11 | UNCOMMON JAMES | Matthew Hoysted | Ben Thompson | 14 | 55kg |
| 12 | ESJAY | Pat Webster | Mark Du Plessis | 4 | 55kg |
| 14 | CHIDIAC | Brett & Georgie Cavanough | Tim Clark | 3 | 54kg |
Moreton Cup Odds
