The Off The Track CCI2*L picked up right where it finished yesterday afternoon, with the remaining 30 combinations taking to the main arena to finalise provisional standing ahead of cross country.
Kadi Eykamp and Bellhaven Chatterbox strode into the lead with a score of 28.8 penalties.
Belle Morrow and Bloomers Fearless Francis follow by a tiny margin of 0.4. “I was absolutely stoked with Finn’s test this morning,” says Belle. “I came here wanting to do a sub-30 dressage test; my coach Teegan Ashby has really helped me learn how to ride a good test, that’s been beneficial to our score. Finn put his best foot forward and I could really go for those bigger marks.
“Riding at Melbourne is an absolute privilege and an honour,” acknowledges Belle. The going [for Sunday’s cross country] is considered good by many riders, and Belle agrees. “It looks good, I’m not very good at going fast but am hoping to put a quick time out there.”
Megan Jones and Grandview Halo trail in third by an even smaller gap of only 0.3 penalties.
With narrow margins at the top and only 3.8 penalties separating 15th from first, the cross country, and particularly its time, are sure to be influential tomorrow morning.
The Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4*L timed their dressage perfectly… perfectly in time with the only rain of the entire day.
But a quick shower didn’t dampen performances or enthusiasm for the premier class.
Christine Bates and Bloomfield Findon showcased a stunning test, with accuracy and beautiful expression of the movements throughout to take a convincing lead on 27.2.
“Really happy with how Bloomfield Findon performed and felt in the atmosphere,” says Christine. “I’m pleased to be leading, even with a couple of mistakes. Tomorrow is a good test and lots of questions, but I think we are ready and I’ll need to ride well and hopefully he grows in confidence around the track.”
Andrew Barnett partnered his own Oscar Park Deluge into second place overnight, 2 points behind Christine, claiming the only other sub-30 number for a score of 29.2.
“I was very happy with Rain today; he was very consistent and tried really hard. It’s certainly a long way from over with a very challenging course tomorrow. Lots of questions will reward positive forward riding,” says Andrew.
Third place provisionally is held by Samuel Fasher and Angelina Gold, one of only five mares in the field.
Shane Rose and Holy Moses lead the CCI4*S
The Equestrian Australia CCI4*S class was hotly contended and supremely competitive, with only one whole penalty separating the interim podium. Shane Rose and Holy Moses lead on a 30.7, nudging out Samuel Jeffree and Santoro on 30.9.
“I’m just stoked with him; it’s a fantastic feeling when all the hard work pays off. He was a super pony, now to finish the job,” says Sam.
Olivia Shore and the sole mare in the class, the beautiful and blingy Eliva Castana, hold third with a score of 31.7.
The Off The Track CCN1*L for Thoroughbreds was the final class to take to the arena this afternoon.
A name familiar with both top placings and Thoroughbreds alike leads the class: Shenae Lowings and Wellombi Baxter danced their way to a 29, with Hannah Deegan adding only an additional 0.3 to that to hold second.
Elena Penney and Cloud of Dust proudly hold third. “He’s starting to produce such consistent and competitive tests” says Elena. “I’m actually feeling super excited heading into cross country tomorrow, it’s such a beautiful course. Melbourne has been a dream of mine ever since I can remember.”
Elena won’t have to dream much longer, with the CCN1*L first out of the start box tomorrow, followed by the CCI2*L, CCI3*L, CCI4*L and CCI4*S.
Watch live and on-demand with Horse & Country
Horse & Country will once again livestream the action from both the cross-country (Sunday 7 June) and show jumping (Monday 8 June) phases, allowing equestrian fans to watch live as it unfolds or catch up on demand at their convenience.
Sign up to watch Melbourne International Three-Day Event via H&C+ here.
