Horse racing tips and best bets for Plumpton, Southwell and Wincanton

The countdown to Aintree is now on after the joy of the Cheltenham Festival.

And our man Garry Owen will be giving you his best bets each day in the build up to the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr before the action on Merseyside.

ACROSS THE LINE (1.35) can extend Dan Skelton’s winning run on a competitive card at Southwell.

The chaser ran another stormer when giving the progressive Numitor most resistance at Doncaster.

The seven-year-old didn’t get home over 2m 4f so he can enjoy a welcome success dropped in trip.

BARTHOLOMEW J (3.55) is the name to remember in the AtTheRaces Handicap Hurdle.

Simon Pearce's horse bounced back when cosily denying The Steward over two miles at Doncaster.

The gelding wasn’t stopping at the business end so he can defy a 4lb penalty upped four furlongs.

EROS (1.45) can hit the target for Kayley Woollacott in the novices’ chase at Wincanton.

The gelding put in his best shift over fences when second to the exciting Alberic over 2m 4f here.

The eight-year-old was just outstayed close home so he should go one better back over two miles.

BALLYBLACK (2.20) can take the Racing TV Handicap Hurdle for shrewd Jeremy Scott.

The gelding can prevail with a repeat of his excellent third to Skytastic in a red-hot Ascot novice.

BRIANSTORM (4.05 ) can call the tune for in-form Venetia Williams in the veterans’ chase.

The 10-year-old recorded a career best when second to Guetapan Collonges at Market Rasen.

The gelding should be primed so he can take advantage of an attractive mark down in class.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has also hit top gear so I’m siding with LORD OF CHESHIRE (4.40).

The five-year-old rates a sure-fire improver after routing the useful Mister Marbles at