As the first of 10 combinations to contest the four-star dressage phase, Enzinger and 12-year-old thoroughbred Wenlock Aquifer took the lead with 51.80 penalties and held it.

The gelding by Alannan won a maiden race at Adelaide’s Victoria Park Racecourse back in 2006 over 900 metres.

"I am really happy being in this position and Aquifer is well prepared for this competition," said Enzinger.

"The cross-country course tomorrow will be tougher than last year - everything has been tightened up.

"Where last year we had two strides, this year we have one, and there is more room for error.

"I just have to go clear and fast."

Enzinger's fellow Australian Hazel Shannon, riding the 11-year-old glowing chestnut Clifford, holds second place with 52.10 penalties.

"He just keeps doing his job, he has the biggest heart," said Shannon of the passing shot gelding.

Another Australian, Rowan Luxmore, currently finds himself in third place on 53.20 penalties - riding his home-bred Irish Sport Horse, Bells ‘N’ Whistles, by Ard Black Cat.

"It is a dream to ride at this level," said Luxmore, who is having his first four-star run this year.

"This Adelaide FEI Classics event is amazing for us here in Australia."

Just outside the top three ahead of tomorrow’s action over Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross-country course, which runs through the Adelaide parklands surrounding the city, is Australia’s Stuart Tinney and War Hawk with 56.40 penalties.

The FEI Classics series unites the world’s six four-star eventing competitions.