By Jeff Taylor, PA Sport, Sydney

Gold medal favourites Germany took command on the first day of the Team Dressage at the Equestrian Centre in Sydney with bronze medal hopefuls Britain almost 400 points behind in sixth place.

World champion Isabell Werth, her country going for a fifth consecutive Team Dressage gold, performed a mistake-free Grand Prix test on Gigolo.

The Atlanta Olympics gold medallist in the individual dressage, Werth had a high score of 1908 points to help the Germans accumulate 3765 points.

The Dutch team of Anky van Grunsven on Bonfire and Ellen Bont Je on Silvano are in second place on 3661.

Britain, chasing the United States (3403), Australia (3317) and Spain (3301), have 3296 after the performances of Emile Faurie on Rascher Hopes (1674) and Carl Hester on Argentile Gullit (1622).

"The horse was stunning," Faurie said.

"He's an elegant and fine horse which did itself justice. It's his first time in such a big atmosphere but he kept so concentrated. It was a solid start for the team."

Hester was less enthusiastic, saying: "It's the first time I've scored less than 65%.

"We produced lots of good movements, but I had to ride tactfully today - he was a little on edge.

Kirst Mepham on Dikkiloo and Richard Davison on Askari ride for Britain on Wednesday.

The best three scores of a team count towards final team placings.