The Dutchman headed into the opening event of the World Cup Finals having been boosted by a victory at the final qualification competition in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

The 42-year-old built on that performance and delivered an accomplished display on his horse Glock’s Flirt.

Their routine received a total of 76.871 points from the judges to top the overall standings, although two home favourites are within touching distance heading into Sunday’s (March 27) Grand Prix Freestyle test.

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven, riding on Don Auriello, scored 76.500 points to finish in second position and become the most likely threat to Minderhoud’s hopes of winning the World Cup Finals for the first time.

Fellow Swede Patrik Kittel occupies the final medal position with 76.400 points, while Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Denmark’s Anna Kasprzak are also in contention for medals having scored 75.257 and 74.729 respectively.

“I know if I want to win then here is my chance” Minderhoud said.

“I was very happy with my ride today, my horse was very good super concentrated.

“We had a small thing with a pirouette but I rode him as I wanted to ride him.

“However, Sunday is a new day and with the Swedish in the form they showed today then I have to give everything to make it happen.”

France’s Penelope Leprevost leads the World Cup Jumping Final at the halfway stage of the competition, having won the opening round in a time of 1min 03.78sec.

Her compatriot Simon Delestre is second having finished in 1:06:04.

A time of 1:06.54 saw Germany’s Daniel Deusser finish the opening day in the final medal spot.

Reigning Olympic champion Steve Guerdat is fourth, the Swiss rider having posted a first round time of 1:06.93.

The second jumping round is due to take place tomorrow.