Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.

Stressfree set up 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 three success 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 extremely constant. He's got a lot of capability, however he's frequently the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter season, more to strengthen him up than anything.


"He was provided an outstanding trip. I'm never ever positive with him as he's frequently come out second best, but to be reasonable he did nothing wrong today.


"He could go for the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and possibly the Ebor later, why not, he might stay that far, he keeps a little bit back."


Stressfree got up late under Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)


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


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


"It's quite psychological, my daddy died four 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 home by a raucous crowd to win the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap, while Martyn Meade saddled just his 2nd winner of the year when Organ (9-1) prevailed in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.