Bleu claims Plate for Martin Arc Bleu recovered from an early knock to steal the John Smith´s Northumberland Plate in a thrilling four-way finish. Tony Martin´s raider was initially only a reserve runner for the two-mile heat but the withdrawal of two runners on Friday saw him make the line-up. And he flew home under Adrian Nicholls to pip Halla San by just a head with long-time leader Bogside Theatre third. Carte Diamond and Bogside Theatre fought out the early running, with the well-supported Bukit Tinggi well placed in third at the half-way stage. Bogside Theatre maintained the pacesetting role as they turned for home, and at one stage looked like providing George Moore with his second Northumberland Plate in three years. But Halla San (16-1) and Arc Bleu (14-1) had other ideas, with the former finding a dream split on the far rail under Hanagan. Nicholls was temporarily stopped on the dash to the line but picked up in good style on the outside of Bogside Theatre to secure another famous handicap victory for Martin. Akarem (50-1) filled the minor honours by staying on for fourth. Martin said: "That was brilliant. I can´t say how pleased I was yesterday morning when we got in as a reserve - it´s a good system, just as it is over in Ireland. "We decided to have a go at this race at the beginning of the year. We had considered the Ascot Stakes but thought two and a half miles might be too far. "There was a bit of mess-up with the journey over from Ireland. "We were due to get here at 6pm last night but didn´t get here until 10pm. "Fortunately he´s a horse with a very tough constitution and it didn´t bother him. "We always thought he was good enough to win a good handicap and hopefully he can win a few more."
