Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.

Stressfree set up a journey to Royal Ascot in finally getting his head in front in the Betfred "Play Fred's ₤ 5 Million" Handicap at Haydock.


David O'Meara's five-year-old just had 3 victories to his name on the Flat before this, which does not show the level of his capability, and aimed to have a mountain to climb as Kildare Legend kicked clear off the front.


But Danny Tudhope timed it to excellence on the 11-2 shot to win by a neck and the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap now beckons.


O'Meara stated: "He wasn't winning out of turn, he's been really consistent. He's got a lot of ability, but he's often the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter, more to toughen him up than anything.


"He was provided an excellent trip. I'm never positive with him as he's typically come out second best, however to be reasonable he not did anything incorrect today.


"He could choose the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and possibly the Ebor later on, why not, he may remain that far, he keeps a bit back."


Stressfree got up late under (Martin Rickett/PA)


The big summer masterpiece might also be on the cards for Mick Appleby's Kodi Lion (5-1) following a precise win in the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Reverence Handicap.


Bought out of Ed Walker's yard for 90,000 guineas, he will require to step up in trip needs to he go following a length win over six furlongs, but he does have kind over 7.


"It's quite psychological, my daddy died 4 years ago today so he's definitely looking down," stated Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mother.


"If he increases enough in the weights we'll look at the seven-furlong race (Buckingham Palace) at Ascot."


Ed Bethell's Oolong Poobong (4-1) was cheered home by a raucous crowd to win the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap, while Martyn Meade saddled simply his second winner of the year when Organ (9-1) prevailed in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.