Defending champion Bernd Wiesberger took control of the Made in Himmerland as the Austrian raced into a two-shot halfway lead.
The 35-year-old, who won the title in 2019 before the 2020 event was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic, added a 65 to his opening 66 for an 11 under halfway total in Denmark.
That was two clear of his compatriot Matthias Schwab, who produced a stunning par save on the last after driving into trees down the left and having to play out on to the wrong fairway as he signed for a 66.
Jonathan Caldwell is tied for 28th on four under after a 71.
Niall Kearney and Cormac Sharvin both missed the cut, while Paul Dunne retired with a neck injury.
"I didn't start great," said Wiesberger, whose round included seven birdies and a single bogey.
"I felt decent. Bit disappointed with the finish today, felt like I could have gone a few deeper actually but my game was good and I'm happy with round two.
"I’m feeling good and hopefully ready for as good a weekend as the first two days."
A great par-save on 18 @schwab_matth 👏
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 28, 2021
He will play in the final group tomorrow beside fellow Austrian Bernd Wiesberger. #MIH21 pic.twitter.com/rrUuVaKaOh
Sweden’s Alexander Bjork is third on eight under after a 63 which included the third hole-in-one of the week on the 16th.
Veterans Richard Bland, who two weeks ago became the European Tour’s oldest first-time winner at the Belfry, and Stephen Gallacher lead the British challenge on seven under.
