EQUESTRIAN: After the second day of competition in the jumping, Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander has continued her good form to have her second clear round and ultimate score of zero penalty points.

The 38 year old former Sydney resident is now in prime position ahead of tomorrow’s third round of individual competition, with the goal of finishing in the top 30 to make the final.

As veteran of the Aussie show jumping team, she proved experience helps. Tops-Alexander and her 16-year-old horse Cevo Itot du Chateau jumped today’s tough course with no rails down and under time.

“Experience does count, as well as knowing your horse. I’m really happy with how we went. My horse jumped great, probably better than I rode,” Tops-Alexander said.

“The horse is in good shape – tomorrow won’t be a lot more difficult, I won’t change too much on what I’ve done,” she said.

It was an emotional day for the Aussies at Greenwich Park, with the four person team narrowly missing the next round of competition, finishing in tenth place.

Olympic debutants Julia Hargreaves and James Paterson-Robinson both put in strong performances to continue on with Tops-Alexander through to the individual qualifier with hopes of making the final.

Tops-Alexander is hoping the strong form she has had in the last 12 months leading into the Games will help carry her through and onto the podium.

“He (Itot) is really fit and jumping well so I would hope we can continue the form we’ve had.

“But you never know what can happen, you have to be prepared for everything. Always expect the unexpected.”

The Jumping competition will continue tomorrow at Greenwich Park at 2.00pm (London time).

Lauren Ryan in London
Olympics.com.au