Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.

Stressfree established a trip 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 triumphes to his name on the Flat before this, which does not reflect the level of his ability, and sought 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 extremely constant. He's got a great deal of capability, but he's frequently the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter, more to toughen him up than anything.


"He was given an outstanding trip. I'm never ever confident with him as he's often come out second best, but to be reasonable he not did anything wrong today.


"He could go for 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 Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)


The big summer season showpiece could also be on the cards for Kodi Lion (5-1) following a clear-cut win in the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Reverence Handicap.


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


"It's quite emotional, my daddy passed away 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 2nd winner of the year when Organ (9-1) dominated in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.