Cross Country Eve at Morven Park

Will Coleman and Off The Record have taken control of the Morven Park CCI4*-L leaderboard with a 25.1 dressage score - the lowest ever recorded at this venue's 4*L level and Coleman's personal best at this level. The performance puts them 1.1 penalties clear of Sharon White and Claus 63, with Boyd Martin sitting third on Miks Master C.

Will Coleman spoke about Off The Record after his dressage:

"Timmy is as professional as they come. He's so laid back that sometimes it feels like he's half asleep going through his business in the arena, but he knows the job. He really was just excellent for me today. I'm so appreciative of him."

White delivered her third-best international dressage test since records began in 2008 (her top two scores came at the 2* level), posting 25.2 penalties with Claus 63 and improving on their 6RA by over 9 penalties.

Boyd Martin and Miks Master C, who competed first on day two, sit third on 25.9. The score carries particular significance given Boyd Martin's remarkable record with sub-27 dressage tests at this level. Boyd has turned every previous sub-27 test at CCI4*-L into a victory - winning at Jersey Fresh in 2018 and 2021, Morven Park in 2023, Tryon in 2020, and Fair Hill in 2011 with scores ranging from 25.4 to 26.9.

 

 

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Win Chances After Dressage

Based on the EquiRatings Prediction Centre, William Coleman holds a 38% chance to win, with a 63% probability of finishing in the top three. Sharon White sits at 17% and Boyd Martin sits on 14% to win.

 

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Cross Country Preview

The cross country phase promises to shake up the standings significantly. Looking at recent CCI4* cross-country statistics for the top three combinations, the data reveals important insights:

• Off The Record & Will Coleman: 90% clear rate at this level, compared to a 60% course average, giving them +30% on other competitors. This is the fastest horse in the field with a 96% Top Speed Percentage (TSP)
• Claus 63 & Sharon White: 80% clear rate with an 83% TSP 
• Miks Master C & Boyd Martin: Perfect 100% clear rate with an 86% TSP rating - but a new ride for Boyd and their first 4*L together

 

Will Coleman acknowledged the challenge ahead: 

"There are plenty of places where you have to be incredibly accurate and get your horse in the right canter to prepare for what Derek has set out there. Timmy's not the most gifted galloper, but he has a good engine, so if I'm hyper efficient, I'm hoping we can jump around clean and maybe get close to the time."

The cross-country phase will determine whether Will Coleman can maintain his historic advantage or if Boyd Martin's perfect record with sub-27 scores will continue.

 Don't miss it.

Listen to the dressage review pod on the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Podcast.