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


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


O'Meara stated: "He wasn't triumphing of turn, he's been very consistent. He's got a great deal of ability, however he's typically the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter, more to strengthen him up than anything.


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


"He might choose the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and potentially the Ebor later, 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 showpiece could likewise be on the cards for Mick Appleby's Kodi Lion (5-1) following a well-defined win in the Jack Berry House Reverence Handicap.


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


"It's quite emotional, my father died 4 years ago today so he's certainly looking down," said Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mom.


"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.