Nat Blundell & Algebra.
Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire, leaders after XC in the CCI4* Adelaide 2012
Today’s weather prediction for hot and sunny came true especially for the four star class. Earlier in the two star we enjoyed some light cloud cover and a breeze which really took the edge off the heat but like magic for the four star we had crystal clear skies and it got hot.
These Aussie horses are used to the heat and coped rather well with the conditions. However there were some tired horses at the end of the day.
In the two star Shane Rose held the lead despite picking up an uncharacteristic 1.6 time penalties on the course. Of the 54 horses who started dressage yesterday only 41 completed today’s tough course. Seven were elimated, 6 others failed to complete, and 11 combinations went double clear on course.
Shane Rose and CP Qualified, leaders after XC in the CCI2*
For the 2*, the Equestrian Australia Hollows caused the majority of issues on course with the skinny before the coffin upsetting a few. Two combinations picked up 21 penalties today for breaking a frangible fence.
Trot up is first thing tomorrow and the show jumping commences at 10:30am.
In the four star we started with 14 combinations, unfortunately only 8 completed, this time the bogey fence was fence thirteen, a skinny roll top brush in the water. All in all, six combinations had stops at this fence and two of those were eliminated or retired at the fence, including last year’s winner, Stuart Tinney.
Natalie Siiankoski & Smart Show Off, in second place after XC in the CCI2*
The fence was just after they emerged from the dark on an island, and it seemed like the horses were reading an obstacle in the water on the approach to the fence. I am sure there will be further discussion about this fence in the coming days.
Overnight leader Shane Rose opted to retire close to home after having two stops earlier in the course. The leaderboard has been turned on its head with the top three combinations failing to complete. Craig Barrett on his less experienced Sandhills Brillaire has moved into the lead after having a clean round, picking up just 2 seconds of time. Craig was the fastest on course.
Nat Blundell and the brilliant Algebra looked smoking hot on cross country. I think that Nat had a hard time containing his enthusiasm, hence they picked up more time than they would have hoped for with 5.6 time, giving Craig two rails breathing space tomorrow.
Nat Blundell & Algebra, moved into 2nd place after XC
Third place is now held by Murray Lampard who moved up from fourth place. Craig and Nat have a decent buffer tomorrow with Nat being a full 25.7 in front of Murray. So barring anything unforeseen in the trot, or a disastrous jumping round from either, we will see either Craig or Nat crowned champion tomorrow afternoon.
Murray Lamperd & Under the Clocks, third after XC
Full results are here:
I’m off to bed and will catch you tomorrow.
ESJ
