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 only had 3 triumphes to his name on the Flat before this, which does not show the level of his capability, and wanted to have a mountain to climb up as Kildare Legend kicked clear off the front.


But Danny Tudhope timed it to 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 very consistent. He's got a lot of capability, but he's typically the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter season, more to strengthen him up than anything.


"He was offered an exceptional trip. I'm never ever confident with him as he's often come out second best, however to be fair he not did anything wrong today.


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


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


The huge summertime showpiece 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 lawn for 90,000 guineas, he will require to step up in trip must he go following a length win over six furlongs, but he does have kind over 7.


"It's rather emotional, my dad passed away four years ago today so he's absolutely looking down," stated Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mom.


"If he goes up enough in the weights we'll take a 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 just his second winner of the year when Organ (9-1) prevailed in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.