Grand Slam-chasing duo William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson remain in the hunt for equestrian's richest prize after a thrilling day of cross-country action at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
Olympic, World and European champion Michael Jung retained his overnight lead with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW, finishing on his dressage score to head the field going into Monday's final showjumping phase.
New Zealander Jonathan Paget rose up from fourth place after dressage into second with a clear round inside the time with Clifton Promise.
Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk's clear round, one second inside the optimum time, has guaranteed a thrilling final chapter to the Rolex Grand Slam story. By finishing closer to the 11min 13sec optimum time than Jung, both he and Paget have put themselves within a showjumping fence of the overnight leader.
His rival, Nicholson, lies fourth and just 0.2 of a mark behind with Nereo, while Germany's Sandra Auffarth (Opgun Louvo) and Stefano Brecciaroli (Apollo VD Kurt Hoeve) complete the top six.
Jung and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW lived up to expectations, delivering a near-flawless performance around Hugh Thomas' 30-fence course – bar an anxious moment in the Lake when the horse left a leg at the log going in.
"It was a great round and Sam was in very good form," said Jung. "He galloped easily. [At the Lake] he managed the situation very well. It was not so easy getting to the narrow brushes, but he kept his balance and we made it through. He finished fresh and we're looking forward to tomorrow."
Fox-Pitt, who had a run-out at the HSBC Market Square on his first ride, Oslo, said: "Oslo and Parklane Hawk are very different, but they both gave me great rides.
"Naturally I was very disappointed about my penalty on Oslo – I didn't steer him properly – but on Parklane Hawk I managed to keep hold of my reins."
He added: "I'm not going into the showjumping in the lead, so I've got to rely on the two guys above me making mistakes – and I've got to go clear."
Of the 83 starters , 58 were clear jumping - 23 of them inside the optimum time.
Showjumping for the lower-placed riders provisionally starts at 11am, while the top 20 jump for the Badminton title at 1.30pm.
