New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson is firmly in the frame to win his third Burghley International Horse Trials crown after an impressive dressage ride.
Nicholson was in a three-way share of fourth place on his best mount Avebury after accruing 41.0 penalty points on Saturday (NZT).
That left him 4.7 points behind surprise American leader Sinead Halpin on Manoir De Carneville. Her compatriot Allison Springer was second and Australian Clayton Fredericks third.
New Zealand riders were spread through the rest of the field following the second day of dressage, including Jonathan Paget, who was second overall after the first day riding Clifton Lush but could only watch as he slipped back to 16th.
Lucy Jackson was seventh on Animator II, just 0.7 points behind Nicholson while Caroline Powell was 11th on Boston Two Tip.
Jackson and Nicholson were 34th and 42nd respectively on their second horses while eventing great Mark Todd found himself in the unusual role of lowest-placed New Zealander.
Five-time champion Todd picked up 60.8 penalty points on Major Milestone to be 64th overall heading into the cross country phase.
NZN