Two reserves get into National Mr Pointment and Abbeybraney have been declared non-runners for the John Smith's Grand National, paving the way clear for Cerium and Royal Rosa to run in the race. First-reserve Silver Birch has also been withdrawn, and is instead poised to run in this afternoon's John Smith's Topham Chase. North Yorkshire trainer Paul Murphy issued a veterinary certificate for Mr Pointment and is to rely upon stablemate Cerium. The nine-year-old, who is due to be ridden by Davy Russell, finished fifth in last year's National at odds of 100-1. "He's in seriously good form. I'm happy with everything - the horse, the jockey and the weather. Things can go wrong, but I'm happy," said Murphy. "He ran a great race last year and deserved to get in it this year. "Obviously it meant pulling out Mr Pointment, but that was always going to happen if it was the choice. "I went to the National confident with Cerium last year after he ran a good race in the Gold Cup. He ran better this year in it on times and was beaten 10 lengths less. "Davy (Russell) rang for the ride and when you get a jockey like him ringing you, rather than the other way around, that gives you more confidence. "Davy hadn't realised that the Gold Cup was his first run since the National last year and he ran so well. "That was the intention as he was a chronic bleeder before. "We cured that, but the only problem is if he runs every week it comes back again, so he's treated with kid gloves." Howard Johnson has also substituted Royal Rosa for Abbeybraney after the latter had not eaten up overnight. The Graham Wylie-owned 11-year-old is set to be partnered by Wilson Renwick. Knowhere, the fourth reserve on the initial National list, has been eliminated.
