Warrnambool Best Bets – Thursday, October 15 

ZERCADY (7) resumes over 1000m after a 27-week break, with a recent Warrnambool jump-out win helping prepare him for the return.

The Raymond & Bell-trained gelding finished fifth in a heat of the Up & Coming Stars at Sandown Lakeside last preparation and now gets a suitable opportunity to show his progress.

Blinkers come off, while a crossover nose band and nose roll go on for the first time.

He maps to settle just behind the speed and can be competitive if he has made natural improvement

GIRL WITH A PEARL (11) resumed over 1425m at Geelong, settling near the rear before making late ground to finish seventh, beaten 7.4 lengths.

The Sara Ryan-trained filly recorded the fastest final 200m of the race, and should be fitter for that first-up run.

She finds a weaker maiden and looks suited stepping up in distance.

If she can settle closer to midfield this time, she can improve sharply.

MACK THE KNIFE (10) was unlucky on debut at Ballarat, finishing seventh over 1500m after getting awkwardly placed near heels and not being fully tested late.

The Lindsey Smith-trained gelding backs up quickly after that run and steps up in distance.

He finds a weaker maiden this time, which should give him a better chance to show what he can do.
With Fred Kersley retaining the ride, he’s worth respecting.

BELCONY (6) ran well at Geelong last start, finishing third over 1447m on a Soft 5 when beaten three-quarters of a length.

The Reece Goodwin-trained mare backs up eight days later and drops in class.

She looks one of the likely leaders in a race that lacks obvious pressure up front.

With the winkers going back on, she can take advantage of the map and give a bold account.