There is a often a compelling story behind the winner of the Grand National, but Dream Alliance's tale would take some beating if he were to strike gold on Merseyside.
The Philip Hobbs-trained nine-year-old, born on a disused allotment on an old slag-heap in Cefn Fforest, was set for an early retirement after he sustained a tendon injury at Aintree in April 2008.
But, following pioneering stem-cell surgery, Dream Alliance performed a Lazarus-like comeback to win this season's Welsh Grand National.
Hobbs' gelding is owned by the Alliance Partnership, a 22-strong syndicate which was formed by a group of members from a Gwent Valleys social club.
Dream Alliance's return to the big time has also aroused the interest of Hollywood, with connections having signed a one-year exclusivity deal with a Los Angeles-based film company.
"It would obviously be a fairytale for the owners, and the horse seems in very good form," said Hobbs.
