Martin planning National Alliance

Tony Martin expects decent spring ground at Aintree to bring out the best in Northern Alliance when he lines up in the 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 too soft, he’ll take his chance,” Martin told At The Races.

“He’s in good form and we probably shouldn’t have run him on his last couple of runs. He’s finished second and third but the ground in Ireland has been too heavy for him.

“We’ve given him a break and he seems fresh and well. He just wants proper decent ground.”

Northern Alliance is a best-priced 50-1 to claim Aintree glory on April 9.

PA gm