New Zealand eventer Mark Todd was 25th after the dressage phase of the three-star event in Saumur, France this morning (NZ time), remaining in contention for Olympic Games selection.
Two-time Olympic gold medallist Todd picked up 53.9 penalties on Gandalf, well under the Beijing qualifying standard for dressage.
Todd, chasing a spot at his sixth Olympics, was slightly disappointed with the outcome although accepted it was his horse's weakest discipline.
"He showed his inexperience at this level," Todd told Radio Sport.
"He did what we thought he could do but we know he's capable of a lot more. All in all happy with where we are at."
Todd believed a top-10 score is still within his grasp at Saumur but the main focus would be on achieving Games standards in tomorrow's cross country and the showjumping on Monday.
The cross country target is to have a maximum of one stop and 36 or less time penalties, while Todd will need to accrue no more than 16 penalties in the showjumping.
"The main thing tomorrow is to play it safe, get a clear round and get that qualifying score."
Todd has been in Europe for a month and ran 10-year-old gelding Gandalf in his first European competition a week ago, in a two-star event at Osberton, England, where the pair finished 17th.
They gained their first Olympic qualification result at the Puhinui event in Auckland two months ago.
Todd is actually better placed on another horse at Saumur, sitting in 22nd on Dusky Moon.
Vetaran compatriot and fellow-Games hopeful Andrew Nicholson was 15th and 16th on Nereo and Epic respectively.
Australian riders fill six of the top 10 positions, with Clayton Fredericks on Nullabor leading on 38 penalties.
- NZPA
