Racing: Timmy Murphy admits he has played safe in choosing Comply Or Die over Vodka Bleu as his mount in the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
Murphy, seeking his first victory in the big race from 12 attempts, felt he could not desert the more fancied runner especially after winning the Eider Chase at Newcastle.
"I think it was the safest decision. He's proved that he stays and that he jumps safely, two things you need to do in the National," he said.
"Vodka Bleu is an old favourite of mine and a lovely old horse. We've had some great days. He's been round here while Comply hasn't, (but) I couldn't get off the second or third favourite for a 33-1 shot.
"The Eider probably didn't probably ride the greatest race to me, but the physical act of carrying 12st over four miles and going away from the others at the end is what I was impressed with.
"He raced well against Cloudy Lane at Haydock and he's been kept fresh for this. This is race you have to be trained for, not a last-minute decision," he added.
Connections of Dun Doire and Philson Run breathed a sigh of relief as their horses made the cut in a maximum 40-strong field.
The defection of Cornish Rebel brought Dun Doire into the line-up, while Ollie Magern's expected absence through lameness saw last year's fourth, Philson Run, given another chance.
Dun Doire's trainer Tony Martin said: "It would have been disappointing for everyone concerned if he hadn't got in. I'm very happy with him and he's as good as we can have him. If he gets luck in running hopefully he'll put up a good show."
There are four horses on standby, should any in the line-up be declared a non-runner by 9.30am tomorrow. The reserves, in order, are: Ardaghey, Joes Edge, In The High Grass and Ossmoses.