Alliance gives Martin grounds for optimism

TONY MARTIN expects decent spring ground at Aintree to bring out the best in Northern Alliance when he lines up in the John Smith’s Grand National on Saturday week.

The 10-year-old won the Kerry National at Listowel a couple of years ago and although winless since, he has been running well in defeat of late in conditions softer than ideal.

“All going well Northern Alliance will be there and as long as the ground doesn’t go to soft, he’ll take his chance,” said Martin.