Arc Bleu Reserve for Northumberland Plate Arc Bleu is only a reserve for the John Smith?s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday. Tony Martin?s hopeful, along with the Tim Easterby-trained Bollin Derek, will replace any non-runners notified by 10.30 on Friday morning. Saturday could be big day for the McGee family who own Arc Bleu, as John McGee trains the greyhound, Oran Majestic, odds-on favourite for the Sporting Press Irish Oaks Final at Shelbourne Park that evening. Ante-post favourite Bukit Tinggi is among a maximum field of 20 declared for the prestigious two-mile Heritage Handicap. All the leading fancies stood their ground as there were only a few withdrawals, although these were headed by the original top-weight, Godolphin?s Eastern Anthem. His stablemate Spring City, Ajaan, Colloquial and Kasthari are the others not to have been declared. Due to Eastern Anthem?s absence, the weights have been raised 2lb to put Tungsten Strike on top with 9st 10lb. Last year?s third, Tilt, will bid to go two places better, while his trainer Brian Ellison also has Carte Diamond. Richard Fahey is also double-handed with Halla San and Greenwich Meantime as other leading contenders include Highland Legacy, Pippa Greene, Double Banded and Desert Sea, plus a French challenger - John Hammond?s Far From Old. John Hammond´s Far From Old.
