Coffs Harbour Racing Club president Alan Johnson and a syndicate of owners are eagerly awaiting Thursday's Coffs Harbour Cup.

Johnson and a group of friends race Hour Of Peril, a last start winner of the Maclean Cup at Grafton, who is trained by John Nikolic at the Gold Coast.

"It's exciting to have a runner in our home Cup, let alone a horse with a good chance," Johnson said.

"We're all over the moon."

Nikolic, the elder brother of controversial Melbourne jockey Danny Nikolic, was instrumental in the purchase of Hour Of Peril.

The six-time winner was previously owned by mining magnate Nathan Tinkler and trained by John Thompson.

"John (Nikolic) had a bit of information on several horses worth buying when we went to the Gold Coast (tried horse sale) to try and get a horse with the Coffs Harbour Cup in mind," Johnson said.

"We had a half budget but ended up spending a bit more to get Hour Of Peril."

Hour Of Peril was knocked down to Johnson and Nikolic for $40,000.

Hour Of Peril, who will be ridden by Larry Cassidy, is adept on heavy ground and is due to arrive in Coffs Harbour on race morning.

"John reckons he's (Hour Of Peril) at the top of his game," Johnson said.

"The horse is spot-on. He's very happy with him.

"He's kept him a bit fresh, 1600 metres is his go, he loves wet tracks and he pulled up really well after his first run for us at Grafton.

"Whether he's up to some of the other horses we'll have to see, but in my mind he is. He's got some good form in Brisbane and is a genuine each-way chance."