Winsome Adante seems back in tiptop shape as he and Kim Severson found their place atop the rankings once again after Friday’s dressage at The Fork in Norwood, N.C. But they’re sharing the lead with Jonathan Holling and Lion King II who also make a strong pair to watch out for heading into Saturday’s cross-country.

Fresh off his advanced win at Poplar Place (Ga.), Winsome Adante’s performance on Capt. Mark Phillips’ difficult rolling track tomorrow will tell Severson whether “Dan” is back to his consistent winning ways and 100 percent ready to head to Badminton (England) after their unfortunate hiccup earlier this season at Pine Top (Ga.).

But Holling won’t be stepping aside for anyone. After winning Red Hills CIC***W (Fla.) in March, he proved again that Lion King II can hold his own both over a World Cup cross-country course and in the show jumping.

Both Severson and Holling earned a score of 40.3 and their closest threat is Amy Tryon and Le Samurai with 43.4. Jan Byyny and Waterfront (44.4), who took over fourth place from now fifth-placed Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (44.7). Heidi White and her Rolex Kentucky mount, Northern Spy, are also within striking distance at 45.0.

The Fork Top-10 After Dressage, Friday, April 6
1T. Jonathan Holling—Lion King II        40.3

1T. Kim Severson—Winsome Adante    40.3

3. Amy Tryon—Le Samurai        43.4

4. Jan Byyny—Waterfront            44.4

5. Becky Holder—Courageous Comet    44.7

6. Heidi White—Northern Spy       45.0

7. Loreen Kay—Russian        46.3

8. Philllip Dutton—Connaught           46.6

9. Karen O’Connor—Upstage   47.8

10. Will Faudree—Antigua       48.4