The final Thursday before Cheltenham sees five meetings go to post across Britain and Ireland. However, the proximity to the big meeting does not stop there being Graded action to enjoy on the day.
GG tipster Joe Napier includes a selection in that Grade 3 among two selections at Thurles. He also has two best bets at Haydock to follow.
Thurles Racing Tips (Thursday 5 March)
Thurles’ action is headlined by a Grade 3 novice chase as the second race on the card. One of our two selections is favourite for that race too.
2.28 Thurles – Soldier In Milan (1pt win – 2/1)
It took him three starts to warm to fences, but Soldier In Milan now looks to have done so. Emmet Mullins’ charge has particularly strong point-to-point and bumper form over the last two years. He disappointed on chase debut, pulling up at Leopardstown, but was then only denied late on at Gowran Park. He has since stepped forward to win at Punchestown, pulling well clear with the runner-up on heavy ground latest. Now, he looks ready for Grade 3 company over fences, even with this slightly shorter 2m5½f trip not ideal for a prospective stayer.
4.05 Thurles – Blizzard Of Oz (1pt win – 15/8)
He has lost his way this season after a promising start, but Blizzard Of Oz may get his confidence back over hurdles here. Timeless Treaty is the form horse recently over hurdles. However, he has a 10lb penalty here and has only raced in novice company so far. The selection reached a peak rating of 153 earlier this season, but his jumping his let him down since. He also possessed some high-class hurdles form though, finishing fourth at the Punchestown Festival and winning twice. As long as he acclimatises, this should provide a return to winning ways.
Haydock Racing Tips (Thursday 5 March)
Haydock hosts the Tim Molony Handicap Chase as a class 3 highlight. In that race, and one other, we have tips for you to follow.
2.45 Haydock – Wal Buck’s (1pt win – 6/4)
He profited on heavy ground last time, but Wal Buck’s may be too progressive for these rivals. He was competitive earlier this campaign despite his yard struggling for form. Now that they have fired in some winners, including Wal Buck’s last time out, they can be backed to keep delivering. The seven-year-old was a wide-margin 34-length scorer at Kelso, for which he has only gone up 4lb in the handicap. He was beaten on good-to-soft earlier in the season, but that was when his trainers were struggling. A first-time visor applied at Kelso may also have worked wonders and he can land the spoils again.
3.15 Haydock – Phineas Bunce (1pt win – 33/1)
A chance is taken on Phineas Bunce finding some form in this class 4 handicap. He would not be Dan Skelton’s number one in here on jockey bookings. Then again. He has been campaigned exclusively over 2m so far, whereas his pedigree suggests he will be a middle distance horse or a staying chaser. He clearly has ability, as evidenced when second in a bumper this time last year. His results over hurdles have not been up to that standard yet, but he finally goes up in distance here. On a mark of 106, 3lb lower than his handicap debut, this race could be more to his liking.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Thursday 5 March
2.28 Thurles – Soldier In Milan (1pt win – 2/1)
2.45 Haydock – Wal Buck’s (1pt win – 6/4)
3.15 Haydock – Phineas Bunce (1pt win – 33/1)
4.05 Thurles – Blizzard Of Oz (1pt win – 15/8)
GG Lucky 15 – Thursday 5 March
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Haydock – first race 13:45
- Thurles – first race 13:58
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Thursday 5 March, which include selections at Thurles & Haydock.
Which racecourses run on Thursday 5 March 2026?
Haydock, Lingfield, Newcastle, Thurles & Wincanton.
When were Thursday’s Lucky 15 tips for Thurles & Haydock published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Thursday were published at 4.53pm on Wednesday 4 March.
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
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