Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti are sitting in third in Advanced at The Fork.
We’ve just wrapped up a very soggy Advanced dressage division at The Fork. Rain began to fall in the morning and continued to fall harder into the afternoon, leaving truly miserable conditions for spectators and riders alike. But we had some really lovely rides to conclude the afternoon rides in the Advanced division, namely from Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti, who scored a 31.6 to sit in third place. The test was incredibly fluid and correct, with Jessica making the ride look effortless. Clayton Fredericks was on hand to watch the test and looked very pleased with the performance.
Boyd Martin and Crackerjack scored a 35.6, which puts them in seventh place.
I thought Rachel Jurgens and Ziggy had one of the most impressive tests of the afternoon, as you’ll see in the video below. This pair will be making their debut at Rolex in just a few weeks, and, if today’s test serves as any indicator, these two are primed for an excellent showing in Kentucky. The test was super relaxed and lovely to watch. Michael Barrisone called the test “first class” and “stunningly beautiful” as Rachel and Ziggy left the ring. Kudos to these two for putting in a great test despite the rain, which really started to fall hard while they were in the ring. The two are sitting in 15th place on a 37.2.
Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass battle the rain.
Boyd Martin and Crackerjack put in a consistent test, although he missed on both changes, despite Boyd clucking along to try to help him out on the second attempt. Crackerjack seemed a touch quiet perhaps, but still scored a 35.6 to sit in seventh place. I really enjoyed watching Elinor MacPhail and RF Eloquence’s test. This horse has a giant trot and really throws his legs out there. He bucked in both changes while sporting a mischievous look on his face that seemed to say he knew exactly what he was up to. Their test scored a 36.6 for 12th place. Poor Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass really seemed to get the worst of the rain, but she held it together for a 39.7, which puts them in 19th place.
Your top three in the Advanced division are Allie Knowles and Last Call on a 29.4, Buck Davidson and The Apprentice on a 31.3 and Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti on a 31.6. The Advanced division show jumps on Saturday and runs cross country on Sunday in reverse order of standings. The CIC3* division starts dressage at 3:55 p.m. this afternoon, with Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville kicking things off with the test ride. I’m typing this update right across the aisle from where super groom Meg Kep is braiding Tate, and I can confirm that he looks very dapper and ready to go. Stay tuned for more from The Fork!
The top 15 in the Advanced division at The Fork
