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 victories to his name on the Flat before this, which does not reflect the level of his capability, and aimed to have a mountain to climb up 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 consistent. He's got a lot of ability, but he's typically the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter, more to toughen him up than anything.


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


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


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


The huge summer masterpiece might also be on the cards for Mick Appleby's Kodi Lion (5-1) following a specific win in the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Reverence Handicap.


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


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


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