Olympic champion Michael Jung is in pole position after the dressage phase of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
Jung leads the way on La Biosthetique-Sam FBW after a score of 36.
Riding midway through this afternoon's session, the duo's test was calm, accurate and expressive, with only a very small blip during the rein-back.
"I am very happy with my test. The conditions here were difficult, with the wind and the big atmosphere, but my horse stayed very relaxed and I had a wonderful ride," said Jung, who struck gold at London 2012 and is also the world and European champion.
Asked whether he felt under pressure to deliver given his recent performances on the international stage, the German rider said: "I don't feel nervous. I'm here at my first Badminton.
"It's the other two boys [William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson, who are in line for the Rolex Grand Slam], who are feeling the pressure."
This morning's leader, Stefano Brecciaroli with Apollo VD Wendi Kurt Hoeve, ended the day in second spot, just 0.8 of a penalty behind the leaders on 36.8.
Completing the top three at the end of the first phase is Germany's Dirk Schrade with King Artus (39.2).
The final session of dressage on Friday afternoon included the two riders gunning for the Rolex Grand Slam on their second rides.
William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk delivered a fluent, consistent test, which was rewarded with a mark of 40 and fifth place, while Andrew Nicholson's test on Nereo started with a flurry of nines – and even some 10s – but tension in the walk and the flying changes prevented him breaking into the 30s. His score of 40.2 leaves him sixth.
Saturday's cross-country trailblazers, Oliver Townend and Armada, will leave the start box at 12 noon.
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