Cherokee’s Ironman and Simsfield Hardtimes grabbed a share of the fastest time posted during the Boxing Day Stakes races at the Bermuda Equestrian Centre.

Both ponies crossed the line in 1:04 flat in the Aged Stakes races to place themselves thick in the hunt for honours.

Brona’s Mike, Pocket De Gold and IC’s Overextended each posted the day’s second fastest time of 1:04/1 also in the Aged Stakes, while IC’s Shakedown achieved the third fastest time of 1:04/2 in the same division. Google Me posted the fastest time of 1:06 flat in the two-year-old Stakes races with War Machine clocking the second and third fastest times of 1:07/2 and 1:08/1.

This year’s stakes winners will be determined by the average time of all four heats spread over Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Up until last season the top four ponies from each division advanced to the final dash.

Meanwhile, Kiwon Waldron continued his sizzling form of late after racking up three heat victories with two different ponies and getting a leg out of the 1:06/1 — 1:07/1 division with Skyway Majestic.

Christian Truran also had three victories with two different ponies, including a pair of wins in the 1:07/2 — 1:08/1 division. Candyce Martins, Kirista Rabain and Tyler Lopes had two victories each.

Harness racing resumes at Vesey Street on New Year’s Day when the Boxing Day Stakes champions will be crowned.