Trainer Jason Edwards is confident the Mackay Cup will be heading south for the fourth time in five years when the Brisbane-based Sir Barnabus lines up in the 2000 metre feature on Saturday.

Townsville trainer Alby Molino has declared last year's Mackay Cup winner Best Hoffa is in superior form in his attempt for back-to-back wins in the North Queensland feature on Saturday.

In-form stayer Best Hoffa will take another step towards defending his Mackay Cup crown when the rising nine-year-old starts in the Open Handicap at Townsville on Thursday.