Based on the comprehensive briefing document, here is a detailed betting preview and analysis for the 3:05 Handicap at Haydock.

Race Verdict: This Class 3 handicap over the extended mile presents a compelling contest, featuring a mix of rapidly improving three-year-olds, classy older campaigners, and unexposed types. The ‘Good to Soft’ ground will be a key factor, likely favouring those with proven form on a slower surface.

The race appears to revolve around two highly progressive three-year-olds from powerhouse stables. Eternal Force, representing the red-hot William Haggas yard (71% run-to-form rate), arrives on a winning sequence and looks every inch a handicapper ahead of his mark. Similarly, Angel Hunter comes here fresh from a determined victory at Ascot on soft ground and looks set for another bold showing. The great unknown is Sir Mark Prescott’s Warrior Mode, a lightly-raced colt with significant potential who makes his turf debut.

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Selections

1. #5 Eternal Force (NAP)
2. #3 Angel Hunter
3. #7 Warrior Mode

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Detailed Contender Analysis

WIN SELECTION: #5 ETERNAL FORCE

• Weight: 9-9
• OR: 88
• Rationale: The case for Eternal Force is exceptionally strong. He hails from the William Haggas stable, which is in scintillating form, and he arrives having won his last two starts with authority. His most recent victory at Newbury came on ‘Good to Soft’ ground, where he overcame a troubled passage to win with something in hand, earning a career-best RPR of 97. The analyst commentary suggests he is on a steep “upward curve” and “can surely do better.” With a top pedigree (Dubawi ex Galileo) and the look of a group horse in a handicap, he is the one they all have to beat.

EACH-WAY DANGER: #3 ANGEL HUNTER

• Weight: 9-11
• OR: 90
• Rationale: Another progressive three-year-old with a fantastic chance. He proved his stamina and tenacity with a game win over a mile on soft ground at Ascot last time out, suggesting today’s conditions will be perfect for him. The Richard Hannon stable is in good form (58% rtf%), and analysts note that Angel Hunter “may even get a bit further,” which indicates he will be strong in the finishing stages of this demanding race. He is a key contender and looks the most likely to challenge the favourite.

UNEXPOSED THREAT: #7 WARRIOR MODE

• Weight: 9-9
• OR: 88
• Rationale: Warrior Mode is the intriguing “could be anything” horse in the field. Trained by the master plotter Sir Mark Prescott, this colt is very lightly raced with only three career starts, all on the all-weather. While his turf debut is a question mark, the analysis highlights his “plenty of physical scope” and notes he “appeals as the type to progress.” A well-bred son of Night Of Thunder, he could be significantly better than his current mark of 88 suggests, and if he takes to the grass, he could prove very difficult to beat.

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Other Noteworthy Contenders

• #1 Silver Sword: The top-weight brings a touch of class, having won a valuable handicap at Meydan and performed creditably in a strong Class 2 contest at York recently. However, he carries a burdensome 10-0 and is unproven on ‘Good to Soft’ ground, making his task a difficult one.
• #10 On The River: A course and distance winner who is a renowned soft-ground specialist (7 wins on soft/heavy). The analyst commentary suggests he is “worth keeping an eye on with autumn ground approaching.” If the ground were to deteriorate further, his chances would increase exponentially.
• #4 Sword: Described as “quirky but talented,” he showed his ability when a fine second at Newcastle last time out. He has the raw talent to win a race of this nature, but as noted, he requires the “cards to fall his way.”