The time of reckoning is at hand for Tim Collins.

In fact, by the time his compatriots awaken in Bermuda this morning he will be a third of the way through his Olympic odyssey, having been slated for the dressage segment of three-day eventing at 4.45 a.m. Bermuda time.

Speaking ahead of today?s undertaking, the England-based equestrian had no illusions about the tough and testing examination his riding skills would undergo in Athens as he faces 74 of the world?s elite in his discipline.

?There are probably 50 people here you should be worried about if you?re an equestrian. You?ve got the best of the British, the best of the Australians who won gold three Olympics in a row and who have also won individual gold and the best of the Americans who have also won individual golds in the last couple Olympics.

?They are all the same riders and a lot of the same horses so it?s all the best people in one place. It?s the Olympics,? he observed frankly.

The 28-year-old, however, is determined not to be overawed by his esteemed company and is intent on giving a sterling account of both himself and his mount Delton Magna.

?I think if he does a very good test in the dressage, like he can do, we can be right up there. In show jumping, he is a very clean jumper and you can trust him to try hard and keep the rails up,? he said of the gelding.

As for cross country, Collins noted that while he had not seen the course yet, if it is ?straightforward and big then it suits him?.

?I would be happy with (finishing in the) top 20 ? top 15 I would be extremely happy. Anything can happen. He (Delton Magna) has never felt better than the way he feels at this moment and, when he is on form, he has beaten all the horses here before,? added the Island?s lone equestrian hope.

Drawn 43rd among 75 competitors, the Bermudian had the luxury of seeing 37 riders go through their dressage routines yesterday as the field was divided in two. Cross country follows tomorrow with show jumping on Wednesday.

The top 20 after these three phases will be selected for a final round of show jumping on Wednesday evening to determine the medallists.