RUNNING plans, at the time of writing, remain fluid over the busy post-Christmas weekend, but enthusiasts might well earn themselves some Christmas cheer by looking out for the following local horses...

Roman Ark, trained by Malcolm Jefferson, made a promising return to action when finishing third at Wetherby earlier this month on his first outing after missing the whole of last term. He could well turn out in a novices' hurdle at Ayr on Boxing Day, and could well be accompanied north of the border by a couple of his stablemates, the consistent Cumbrian Knight and Clear Dawn, a recent winner at Musselburgh.

Archie Babe, trained by John Quinn, produced a nailing good display when beating, among others, classy Flat-racer Vintage Premium on his latest start at Wetherby.

Soft ground is a must for the Settrington gelding, who looks capable of adding to his latest victory in his chosen Christmas target, which could well mean a return to Wetherby. Watch out too for novice stablemate Jake Black as Quinn elects to switch him to handicap company over the Christmas holiday.

Tyndarius is in the form of his life at present and the James Hetherton-trained veteran could well take in the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen on Boxing Day in his bid to chalk-up his third win in a row and his fourth from his last five starts. The evergreen 12-year-old cannot be left out of the reckoning in his current form.

Mick Easterby is unlikely to allow Christmas to come and go without attempting to recoup a little of his Christmas expenses.

Worth watching out for in their selected engagements on Friday and Saturday are The Nomad, a highly-promising novice chaser, the more experienced fencer Super Nomad, and handicap hurdler Middlethorpe, a renowned mud-lover.

Whatever your fortunes this weekend, here's wishing all racing readers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Updated: 09:44 Monday, December 22, 2003