Equestrian: Todd has vision of landing Badminton

Mark Todd. Photo / APN

Mark Todd is eyeing up his fourth Badminton Horse Trials title as he heads into the cross-country phase in fourth spot aboard NZB Land Vision, just 3.5 points off the leader in Britain overnight.

A trio of Brits lead the now 82-strong field, after two withdrawals during the dressage.

Also well in touch with the leaders are Andrew Nicholson and Nereo in 14th spot just 11 points adrift of leader Ruth Edge on Two Thyme.

Nicholson and his other mount Avebury, along with Caroline Powell and her Burghley winning grey Lenamore are tied in 24th equal but still just 13.9 points back from Edge. Nicholson is the only rider to have two horses inside the top 25.

Todd, who teamed up with 10-year-old Land Vision last year, is confident his horse will cope well with the cross country test, despite it being the horse's first crack at this top level.

"He got a bit uptight in his test, so I couldn't go for it as much as I would have liked, but it's his first time in a big atmosphere and he's still relatively inexperienced," he said.

Badminton is rarely a dressage competition, and with fast and firm ground expected on the cross country, there's plenty in store for horses, riders and spectators. The competition winds up with the showjumping tomorrow.