Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.

Stressfree set up a trip to Royal Ascot in lastly 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 triumphes to his name on the Flat before this, which does not show the level of his ability, and wanted 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 extremely consistent. He's got a great deal of capability, however he's typically the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter, more to toughen him up than anything.


"He was given an outstanding ride. I'm never confident with him as he's often come out second best, however to be fair he did absolutely nothing 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 big summertime showpiece could also be on the cards for Mick Appleby's Kodi Lion (5-1) following a specific win in the Jack Berry House Reverence Handicap.


Bought out of Ed Walker's yard 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 type over 7.


"It's quite emotional, my papa passed away four years ago today so he's absolutely looking down," said Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mother.


"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 2nd winner of the year when Organ (9-1) dominated in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.