Miguel Angel Jimenez declared he turned from a donkey to a racehorse in moving back into contention after three rounds of the Andalucian Open.

Jimenez remains on target to be the oldest-ever winner on the European Tour in recording a three under par 69 and move into a share  of fourth place at 10-under par.

Fellow Spaniard Eduardo De la Riva with a round of 68 is the shock third round leader on 12-under par.

The 28-year old has been the Tour’s Q-School nine times in an effort to secure full membership but now faces the task of holding off some 18 players within four shots of his lead.

Miguel Angel Jimenez picks up four shots in three holes late in his round going 'from a donkey to a racehorse'. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)

England’s Simon Khan (66) and Italy’s Matteo Manassero (68) are tied in second place on 11-under par.

Manassero needs to win to keep alive faint hopes of qualifying for next month’s Masters.

Three players – tournament host Jimenez,  South African Henni Otto (68) and England’s David Lynn (68) – share fourth place at 10-under par.

Jimenez burst back into contention with back-to-back birdies at 14 and 15 and an eagle at 16.

“I started like a donkey and ended like a racehorse,” he laughed.

And if Jimenez should win he would become the oldest winner on the European Tour at age 48 years and 70 days.

Ireland’s Des Smyth currently holds that record as he was aged 48 years and 34 days when he captured the 2001 Madeira Islands Open.