Sunshine Coast Betting Tips for October 23, 2026 - Backhander Packs a Winning Punch
The Sunshine Coast will hold an eight-race card on October 23 under lights, after shifting from the turf to the Poly Track due to weather. The article provides in-depth analysis and race tips, highlighting Backhander (Race 8), Hit A Lick (Race 2), Sir Maurice (Race 6), and It's Kaos (Race 5) as standouts. All recommendations consider previous form, rider selections, and synthetic track suitability, with the main conclusion that these runners hold strong prospects on the night.
- Sunshine Coast's scheduled turf meeting moves to the Poly Track for eight night races due to rain
- Key selections include Backhander in Race 8 and Hit A Lick in Race 2, both expected to perform well on synthetic
- Other highlighted runners are Sir Maurice (Race 6) and It's Kaos (Race 5), with track suitability and form considered
Friday night racing switches to the Sunshine Coast polytrack. (Getty)
Sunshine Coast hosts an eight-race night program on Friday, October 23, with the original turf meeting abandoned and a replacement fixture scheduled on the Poly Track.
The synthetic surface will be used throughout the evening, with further rain forecast for the region.
For the latest racing news, previews and betting coverage from across Australia and beyond, visit Live Racing & Sports Updates.
Sunshine Coast Tips October 23
Kawana Dolphins QTIS Maiden Plate Tips (Race 2)
Sunshine Coast Next Best Bet - Race 2 No. 12 Hit A Lick
Hit A Lick has produced several encouraging performances this preparation, including a runner-up finish on the Sunshine Coast turf when second-up, suggesting a maiden breakthrough is within reach.
Although unable to salute in three subsequent appearances, the Kelly Schweida-trained filly delivered a strong performance in metropolitan company at Doomben earlier this month, finishing third in a 1200m maiden.
Beaten two-and-a-half lengths after jumping from barrier nine in a field of ten, Hit A Lick showed good early speed and appeared suited by the switch to more positive riding tactics.
The drop to 1100m should present few concerns given that latest display, while Ashley Butler reunites with the filly and could look to adopt similar front-running tactics on Friday night.
There is little reason to suggest the synthetic surface will pose a significant problem, and with the benefit of recent metropolitan racing, Hit A Lick looks capable of making the most of the drop in grade to secure her first victory.
Kawana Dolphins Benchmark 55 Handicap Tips (Race 5)
Sunshine Coast Roughie - Race 5 No. 8 It's Kaos
A return to the Sunshine Coast could bring an improved performance from It's Kaos, with the daughter of Capitalist having broken her maiden on the turf course at this venue two starts ago.
The mare overcame a wide barrier to score over 1000m on Good ground, finishing just over half a length clear of her nearest rival in an encouraging display.
She subsequently travelled to the Gold Coast for another 1000m contest on a Good surface, where she finished eighth in her first appearance against previous winners.
Although that performance was below expectations, the step into stronger company provides some explanation, and the lightly raced mare remains capable of improving on what she showed.
The switch to the polytrack and rise to 1100m should pose no significant concerns, while Kayla Johnston knows It's Kaos well after partnering her in four of her five career appearances, giving the mare an opportunity to surprise at generous odds.
Kawana Dolphins Benchmark 68 Handicap Tips (Race 6)
Sunshine Coast Value Bet - Race 6 No. 14 Sir Maurice
Sir Maurice has shown encouraging signs since returning to racing, with the Jack Bruce-trained gelding looking well placed to produce another competitive performance on a synthetic surface he has handled successfully in the past.
The six-year-old resumed over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast in September before producing an improved effort at the Gold Coast earlier this month, finishing third in a Benchmark 58 contest when beaten just under two-and-a-half lengths.
That latest performance came on a Good surface from an inside barrier, and although Friday's wider draw presents an additional challenge, the son of Maurice has previously produced competitive efforts from double-figure gates.
His record on synthetic tracks provides a particularly strong recommendation, with two victories and another three top-three finishes from seven appearances, including success on his only previous start on the Sunshine Coast polytrack.
Bruce's stable has been enjoying a productive period, and with Sir Maurice bringing proven synthetic-track form into the assignment, he looks an appealing value chance despite the outside draw and rise in grade.
Kawana Dolphins Benchmark 58 Handicap Tips (Race 8)
Sunshine Coast Best Bet - Race 8 No. 2 Backhander
Two victories this preparation have Backhander arriving at the Sunshine Coast in excellent form, with the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained mare looking to complete consecutive wins after an impressive performance at Dubbo last month.
The latest of those successes came in a Benchmark 58 handicap over 2200m, where she overcame barrier nine to finish more than a length clear of her nearest rival.
Although dropping back to 2000m on Friday night, Backhander has demonstrated versatility throughout her campaign, having also won over 1400m, suggesting the shorter journey should present no significant problems.
The form from her Dubbo victory has also held up, with the third placegetter subsequently winning and the fourth recording three consecutive runner-up finishes, providing encouraging references from a race she controlled convincingly.
Ben Thompson takes the ride on a mare who generally races prominently, and although she is yet to compete on a synthetic surface, her recent progress and proven ability at Benchmark 58 level suggest she is well placed to register another victory.
Verdict
Our Sunshine Coast selections for Friday, October 23 are:
Backhander
To Win
$5.00 - 4 Units
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Hit A Lick
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$3.80 - 3 Units
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Sir Maurice
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It's Kaos
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$17.00 - 1 Unit
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